Wednesday, January 1—Tuesday, January 7, 1777
- Happy New Year. We've got more reason to celebrate: The Americans have won another battle, this time in Princeton, New Jersey. Not coincidentally, the British start treating their prisoners better.
- Not everyone's celebrating, though. Lockton has bumped up a planned trip to England so that he can take the news of the rebel victories to Parliament. On the day Lockton leaves, Isabel goes to the prison early and brings more food.
- A couple big events happen at the Locktons' in the next few days, including the master's departure for London and the birth of Sarah's baby. She names him George… as in King George… or George Washington. Whatever. No matter who wins the war, she's good to go.
- Lady Seymour is sick again, and Isabel resumes her job of spending time with her as she recovers. During one of her visits, Lady Seymour asks her to sit down and says she has something serious to discuss with her. She asks for Isabel's forgiveness because at one point, Lady Seymour wanted to buy her. Isabel gives the forgiveness Lady Seymour wants, but feels even more torn inside about not being free as a result.
- That night, Isabel reads more of Common Sense. She begins to understand Paine's argument more and see the reasons why the colonists are justified in seeking independence: that people with wealth and influence were never meant to rule over those who lack it. The message begins to give her hope.