Part I: Chapters VII - X Summary

When Isabel returns to the Lockton house after her excursion with Curzon to the watering hole, she meets Becky Berry, the head maid of the house. She informs Isabel that Madam Lockton has taken a particular liking to Ruth and will use her as her personal entertainment in the house. Isabel, meanwhile, is to assist Becky with all the tasks that keep a gentleman's house in order. She also tells Isabel that she'd better listen to everything the Madam says: she has a tendency to beat her slaves, and one girl nearly died as a result of her injuries. If she wants to keep herself safe, and keep her little sister safe, she'd better be seen and not heard.

Each day, Isabel works diligently around the house, struggling to keep her mouth shut...