Summary

In Chapter 27, Mary and Reverend Eliot ride a horse together, with Mary on the pillion. She is happy with their “companionable silence.” Reverend Eliot talks about the Hawkes, saying “They may not be slaves of Satan, but they are unschooled” (280). Esther Hawke is sarcastic when she welcomes Mary, calling her a governess then suggesting she will help with the laundry. Mary reads to the children from a book about John Rogers who was burned at the stake along with his family for being a Protestant in Catholic England. Mary says she needs Esther's help. She says someone is using witchcraft against her. She lies, saying she knows the identity of the person. Esther offers a potion that will heal some types of poison. Mary counters, asking what items Esther wants most for her three young children. She suggests they need warm clothing. Mary...