Chapter 12 Summary

Meggie writes a monthly letter home, never hinting at the problems in her marriage. The Clearys believe the Muellers are friends of Luke's with whom Meggie is staying until the O'Neills get their own place. Luke spends several days in the hospital with Weil's disease, a malady common in cane cutters. To recuperate, he and Meggie spend a few weeks in the coolness of Lake Eacham. There Meggie learns that the purpose of the condoms Luke faithfully uses is to prevent the conception of a baby. Meggie is shocked at his betrayal over the past two years. Knowing that she only endures sex in the hope of having a child, Luke has plotted against her. Instead, Meggie convinces Luke she cannot become pregnant if they have intercourse with Meggie on top.

When Meggie writes Luke a few months later to tell him that...