Part II: Chapters XL - XLV Summary

At the market, the kindly soldier who had previously given Isabel access to the prisoners asked if it would be possible to hire Isabel to help clean the cells. Shocked, Isabel says she would happily take the work, but she knows Madam Lockton would never agree. Later that day, Lady Seymour calls Isabel to her bedside and apologizes for not purchasing her from Madam Lockton. She wishes she had brought Isabel to her home instead of letting her suffer in the Locktons. A few days later, Lady Lockton suffers an apparent stroke and is completely bedridden and unable to speak. Meanwhile, Madam Lockton prepares for the Queen's birthday ball. She has ordered a new dress and the most expensive hairdresser in town. When it begins to snow, Isabel weeps knowing that her sister...