The Testaments

Aunt Lydia is furtively writing in her memoir when Aunt Vidala suddenly appears. Aunt Lydia hides her memoir. Aunt Vidala wishes to discuss an important matter. At the Schlafly Cafe, Aunt Vidala says that she is concerned about the new Pearl, Jade and mentions that her tattoo seems like an attempt to manipulate them. She suspects Jade’s a Mayday spy and wants to interrogate her.

Concerned, Aunt Lydia asks Commander Judd for an emergency meeting at his home. Shunammite opens the door for her, which is strange, as door opening is a task for Marthas. Shunammite looks very sickly. She has lasted longer than most of Commander Judd’s Wives and did manage to get pregnant, though it had been an Unbaby.

Shunammite tells Aunt Lydia she’s not supposed to say she’s sick and the Commander won’t give her permission to go to the Ardua Hall clinic. Aunt Lydia assures Shunammite that she will obtain the Commander’s permission, for which Shunammite tearfully thanks her.

Commander Judd is waiting in his study, which Aunt Lydia has visited before, sometimes without his presence, as he leaves important documents there. There are many books on the shelves, like all Commanders’ studies.