Summary

Chapter 9

Mrs. Pyke goes into labor immediately after learning of Sally’s death. Mama Mae makes Lavinia help her with the delivery. After the child, a boy, is born, Mrs. Pyke refuses to even look at him. Mama Mae leaves Lavinia in charge of the baby. Dory comes to nurse the baby because she has recently had an infant girl. Dory is not happy about it, but Mrs. Pyke continues to have anything to do with the baby, giving her no choice. Over the next few days Mrs. Pyke falls deeper into her depression, even confusing Lavinia with a sister she had who died, Isabelle.

Shortly after the captain comes home, the overseer, Mr. Rankin, and a group of local men take Ben out to punish him for Sally’s death. Mr. Winters has told everyone that he saw Ben cause the child...