Summary

Book Two: VIII describes Lucien’s frustration with his mother as he does all he can to keep the plantation running. He hopes to marry Rosalie to his friend’s intelligent and successful son Laurent Tournier even though he is a colored boy that does not own his own land. Instead, Lucien thinks Laurent could save the farm with his knowledge of agriculture and machinery. However, Lucien looks highly upon Rosalie compared to his other half-blood children.

Book Two: IX shifts to the Sisters of Mercy where 17-year-old Rosalie is preparing to leave. She is a master at sewing and the Reverend Mother is disappointed that Rosalie will be leaving them. The other girls are jealous as Rosalie’s father seems to care for her and Rosalie also got another sister to read her books despite it being forbidden. Rosalie also...