Rebellion 1776

On the evening of June 2, Elsbeth serves baked beans for dinner, and the Pike children complain. Mister Pike forbids anyone to seek other food, then doubles over in a violent coughing fit. Elsbeth helps him breathe and gives him spruce beer to calm him.

Captain Hunter bursts in uninvited. When Hannah confronts him about her grandmother, Hunter hands her a letter and her grandmother’s ruby earrings, claiming she is recovering well. He then announces he will double the payment for Hannah’s care. Mister Pike agrees to discuss business with him in the library.

Later, Elsbeth finds Hannah on the rooftop. Elsbeth informs her that Mister Pike’s business has failed, that Hunter agreed to pay the debts in exchange for three-quarters ownership, and that he plans to use Mister Pike’s ship as a privateer. Upset by the news, Hannah holds back tears and they listen to the sounds of the night. When they both hear owls, Hannah shares her belief that owls are messengers for the dead.

Hannah reveals Hunter is her legal guardian and confesses she once tried to run away. The girls discuss their pasts. Convinced Hunter is lying, Hannah proposes an alliance, and Elsbeth agrees.