Rebellion 1776

On the afternoon of July 4, Hannah recruits Elsbeth for a scheme to stage an “accidental” meeting with Nyott Doubt, as social rules forbid unchaperoned encounters. Elsbeth agrees to create a one-hour absence to make Hannah’s unchaperoned presence believable. Elsbeth uses the time to go to the Sign of the Wolf tavern.

The tavern mistress directs Elsbeth to Billy Rawdon, who is sitting in a chair in the back yard. He gives her Tobias Culpepper’s sailmaker’s palm but demands two shirts as payment before he will give her any other information about him. Elsbeth reluctantly agrees to steal the shirts for him and tells Billy to meet her at the Pikes’ barn at dawn.

Later, Elsbeth finds Hannah on the Swing Bridge with Nyott Doubt. In front of witnesses, Hannah loudly scolds Elsbeth for supposedly running off, giving their meeting an accidental appearance that satisfies social rules for those observing the scene.

As they walk home, Hannah expresses her joy over the meeting but laments that her guardian, Captain Hunter, controls her marriage prospects and insists she marry a wealthy man. Keeping her deal with Billy secret, Elsbeth guides her back to the Pike house.