Summary

In Chapter 27, Cornelis reads to Sophia the Biblical story of the flooding of the Earth. This story has always had a special meaning to him because Amsterdam was once flooded, but it was reclaimed from the water. As he watches Sophia at her sewing he believes their lives have been blessed. In bed that night, when he lays his hand on her, Sophia tells him that she is pregnant.

In Chapter 28, Sophia remembers a picture of the flood of 1421 in the house in which she grew up that would give her nightmares. She knows that people were killed in that flood and wonders if God saved Noah what the people killed by this flood had done that they deserved such a severe punishment.

Jan is shocked when Sophia tells him her plans. He asks first how they will hide the fact Maria is...