In the wake of the election, Mr. Bradshaw feels guilty about acting unethically. He is also somewhat disappointed in how Mr. Donne is approaching his new duties as a Member of Parliament. Jemima and Mr. Farquhar continue to have a strained relationship, and Mr. Farquhar has been waiting eagerly for Ruth to return. However, everyone in the Benson household is now entirely focused on Leonard’s health. Ruth is terrified her son will die as divine punishment for her sins.

Leonard recovers, and a few months pass. Ruth does not notice that Mr. Farquhar continues to be attentive to her, but Jemima grows more frustrated and jealous. One day in June, Jemima goes to the shop of a dressmaker named Mrs. Pearson. Mrs. Pearson brings up Ruth (Mrs. Denbigh), mentioning how she looks like a beautiful young woman whom Mrs. Pearson once knew. Mrs. Pearson’s sister-in-law was also a dressmaker (Mrs. Mason), and a beautiful young woman named Ruth Hilton worked for her as an apprentice. Mrs. Pearson explains how Ruth ran away to Wales with a wealthy man, and Jemima notices the parallels in the story and how it would align with Leonard’s age and Ruth’s arrival in Eccleston.