The Invention of Wings

Sarah lives with Israel Morris’ family in their house outside Philadelphia, and she teaches his children. She applies for membership in the Quaker church. Soon Sarah is in love with Israel, and he struggles with his feelings for her, out of his loyalty to his dead wife. Sarah has convinced her mother that her departure from Charleston is God’s idea; therefore, she preserves her relationship with her family. Her feelings for Israel threaten her plans when Israel’s sister, Catherine, questions the propriety of Sarah living with their family in front of the whole Quaker community. Sarah has received a letter from Nina, begging her to come home and help her manage their mother. Sarah leaves for Charleston.

Handful continues to go to Denmark Vesey’s house. Denmark refers to Handful as his daughter. Denmark is the leader of a planned slave uprising. Denmark claims that there are 6,000 names in his book; all men who will stand up and fight. They are gathering weapons for the rebel army. At risk to her life, Handful pretends to be a cleaning lady and steals two bullet molds from the city armory to make balls for the rebel muskets. The night before, mindful that she might be caught and killed, she and Goodis become lovers.