Chapter 8 Summary

Maud and Roland are in the frigid library at Seal Court reading the letters. Their collaboration does not start off well. The two scholars disagree on how to proceed. Maud wants to only read Christabel's letters, and she wants Roland to only read Ash's letters. Roland does not like that idea, but he finally gives in. Something that Maud reads sticks with her. Christabel uses a riddle in one of her letters to compare herself to an egg, perfectly safe in her shell. She implores Ash not to set her free.

Maud returns to Seal Court early the next morning and they resume their work. By midday, Lady Joan suggests that Maud stay overnight because of the treacherous weather. Maud agrees to stay, and after a full day of work, Maud and Roland go upstairs to their rooms early to give the Baileys...