Chapters 7-12 Summary

Chapter 7 reveals that Victoria gives birth to a girl, although she doesn't name her throughout the chapter- which covers at least one week's time- because she is still getting to know her. Victoria is surprised at the strength of her maternal instinct and she delights in holding, feeding and watching her daughter. Mother Ruby helps Victoria the first week to make sure everything goes well with the baby and Renata and Marlena help Victoria as well.

But after the first week, Mother Ruby leaves because she tells Victoria that she is a mother and doesn't need her anymore. These words, however, cause a familiar feeling of panic within Victoria and it won't go away no matter how hard she tries.

In chapter 8, Victoria gives Elizabeth an ultimatum to choose between her or her sister. While Victoria regrets this because Elizabeth makes...