Rebellion 1776

Between March 19 and March 27, Elsbeth finds Mister Pike terrified in the parlor. She calms him while privately worrying about her missing father. As Pike recovers, he dictates letters to his scribe, Nyott Doubt, concerning his missing business assets. Elsbeth asks her friend Shubel Kent to deliver the letters and inquire about her father, forbidding him to search graveyards.

When Shubel returns late, Pike angrily tries to dismiss him. Elsbeth lies to save Shubel’s job, claiming he was seeking news of Pike’s business associate. Later, Shubel explains a constable detained him. Discouraged, he considers enlisting in the army. This idea angers and frightens Elsbeth. Shubel leaves to follow a new lead on Elsbeth’s father but promises to return.

On March 28, a rider brings Mister Pike a letter that leaves him stricken. After he discards it, Elsbeth retrieves it and learns his wife is refusing to return to Boston, as she blames him for disgracing their family. Understanding his distress, she burns the letter. To lift his spirits, she embroiders a vest for him.

They walk to the remains of Pike’s former mansion, which the British destroyed. Among the wreckage, Pike retrieves only a doll for his daughter.