Summary

Chapter 21, April 1858 – A few months before the wedding, Lisbeth attends a gathering at White Pines. Sent in search of Edward, she makes her way through the plantation’s yard and gardens, finding a beautiful willow tree much like the one she has at home (see “Quote 10”). She hears a sound and follows it to its source, discovering to her shock and disgust that Edward is physically forcing himself on a young female field hand. Lisbeth screams at him and runs off, but Edward catches her, insisting that she listen to his explanation. He tells her that white men, all men, have that kind of relationship with field hands. Where, he asks, does she think that pale-brown “house niggers” come from? Numb and shocked, Lisbeth lets him lead her back to the house, now aware of some unpleasant realities, including the likelihood that the...