The Frozen River

Ephraim receives word from Isaac Foster that Rebecca refused to go to the court date in Pownalboro, citing the traumatic nature of testifying as the reason. Ephraim speculates that North had something to do with Cyrus’s arrest, and vows to figure it out on his forthcoming trip to Boston. He also needs to meet with the Kennebec Proprietors to prove that the family has not violated their lease agreement and should be allowed to keep the mill property.

With Ephraim once again gone, Martha focuses on her midwifery. She inspects May Dawin, who is six months into her pregnancy. On her way out, she finds Sam in the barn and notices a piece of lace in his pocket. Martha instructs him to give May daily back rubs to help manage her pain. Before she can leave the wharf, William Pierce intercepts her and demands that she come with him, saying “Sally is dying. And it’s your fault” (341).

At the Pierce family farm, Martha finds Sally in labor. Sally’s mother, Bonny, explains that Sally had been able to conceal her pregnancy up until the last three months. Martha realizes that this means Sally was pregnant during the last dance, when she had her secret tryst with Jonathan.