Summary

Chapter 7 resumes the main timeline, picking up on January 20, 1954, on Nanticoke Island, Maryland. Margaret is with Dr. Gwinnett as they watch the ponies. Margaret and Gwinnett talk with another researcher about their lives, and Margaret reveals her father died in a dirigible crash when she was very young. When they are alone, Gwinnett reveals he figured out Margaret is pregnant. He questions her, having thought perhaps she and Charlie were unable or unwilling to have children. Margaret allows the personal conversation because she feels a connection to Gwinnett. Margaret is annoyed when Gwinnett says he will miss doing research with her. Her annoyance stems from the fact that she is “having a baby, not retiring, and she was certainly not ready to mourn for her career” (64). Some ponies come near, and both are amazed that one allows Margaret's touch.

Chapter 8 takes place Saturday...