Summary

In “Rouen,” Abbas and Jehanne return to their shop in Rouen. While Jehanne continues making her hats, Abbas repairs clocks. Then one day, Jehanne suggests Abbas “go back to making toys” (269). Abbas worries that toy production will not be lucrative. Jehanne argues otherwise.

After spending days “with Lucien’s notebooks and blueprints,” Abbas develops a design for a crying baby doll (270). Within eight months, they have “sold fifty cry dolls in Rouen alone” (271). Impressed, Isabelle extends her support once more, helping them make new connections.

Abbas and Jehanne rejoice over their success. With Isabelle’s help, Jehanne has begun networking with women of means. Overcome by emotion, Abbas kisses Jehanne for the first time.

“After the kiss,” Abbas begins to court Jehanne (272). Although the courtship is slow, Jehanne is overcome by the new “thrum of her heart” whenever they are together...