A Breath of Snow and Ashes

A letter from Lord John to Jamie, dated March 6, 1775: Lord John has seen Jamie’s name on numerous lists of “suspected Traitors and Seditionists, associated with illegal Assemblies, and thus subject to Arrest” (1003). For the sake of his and his family’s safety, Lord John urges Jamie to discontinue his rebellious alliances. He includes a package of many newspapers and pamphlets, many of which list people considered threats to the Crown, where Jamie’s name is, indeed, included. Jamie admits to Claire that he’s written a few anonymous articles. He sends Lord John a brief response, telling him that their correspondence will be a danger to Lord John, and he must sever ties completely, signing it as an affectionate friend.

Brianna awakens in the night, realizing that it’s April 18, the historic day of Paul Revere’s ride and the beginning of the American Revolution. She recites the bulk of the poem to Roger. In the morning, the Beardsley twins knock hurriedly on their door, announcing that Lizzie’s baby is coming. They run to their house, meeting Claire and Jamie there, but the baby, a healthy little boy, has already been born. Joseph doesn’t come to welcome the baby, to Lizzie’s disappointment.