Rebellion 1776

From July 19 through July 21, the Pike household suffers from illness as a result of the smallpox inoculation. Alexander Pike tracks everyone’s symptoms on scientific charts and assigns military-style roles to his siblings. Fevers and vomiting spread through the family.

Withdrawn since learning of her grandmother’s death, Hannah notices mouth sores on the baby, Tillinghast (“Howler”), and takes over his care. Nyott helps Elsbeth move a bed into the library for Hannah and the baby. While there, Elsbeth urges Hannah to read law books to find a way to change her guardian. When Missus Pike’s symptoms worsen, she refuses to be bled by the doctor.

Between July 22 and July 26, Gilbert assists Alexander by counting each family member’s pox pustules. After a third inoculation, Gilbert remains healthy and complains about being left out. Widow Nash sends Elsbeth to the apothecary, where the owners discuss recent onion thefts.

Back in the kitchen, Billy Rawdon arrives with a bundle of stolen onions, which he gifts to Widow Nash. After he leaves, she grills Elsbeth about her absent father. Elsbeth maintains her story, but Widow Nash voices suspicion and threatens to turn her out when she discovers the truth.