Chains Chapter 12 Summary

Study Notes

Chapter 12

Isabel goes to seek assistance from Lady Seymour after a tumultuous incident with Bellingham.
Lady Seymour shows kindness and provides Isabel with food, contrasting with Madam's treatment.
Lady Seymour writes notes for Isabel to deliver, informing about Lockton's imminent release and exposing her powerful connections.

Chapter 13

Lockton returns home using his influence after being released from jail, finding Madam preparing to escape.
A chaotic argument erupts between Lockton and Madam, with thrown objects reflecting their tumultuous relationship.
Isabel learns valuable information about the fallout from Lockton's arrest while serving drinks to his Loyalist guests.
Isabel attempts to create a sense of normalcy for Ruth amidst their troubles by making her a cornhusk doll.

Chapter 14

Lockton hosts important guests, including the New York mayor, against Madam's wishes of not disturbing them.
Isabel, serving refreshments, overhears a plot to assassinate General George Washington to quell the rebellion and preserve Loyalist interests.
Lockton's group drafts a list of conspirators to ensure their safety if the plot is uncovered, while Isabel secretly takes notes.

Chapter 15

A severe incident occurs when Ruth has a seizure, causing Madam to believe Ruth is possessed, leading to physical abuse.
Lockton intervenes in the chaos, ultimately deciding that Ruth is necessary for their household despite Madam's attitude towards her.

Chapter 16

Realizing they must escape New York, Isabel steals the list of names from Lockton's desk to aid her and Ruth's freedom.
Isabel meets Colonel Regan, who promises to investigate but instructs her to return to normal life to avoid suspicion.
Regan provides Isabel with a secret passphrase, "ad astra," signifying a potential path for escape.

Chapter 17

Isabel anxiously awaits news from Colonel Regan while dealing with Madam's threats to sell Ruth.
Lockton learns their plot has been revealed and decides to flee, leading to a physical confrontation with Madam.
Soldiers arrest Lockton the following morning, but they find no evidence of the conspiracy as he escapes in a cheese crate.

Chapter 18

The public hanging of Thomas Hickey, a conspirator against Washington, draws Isabel, who hopes to connect with Colonel Regan.
The execution drives home the stakes of their situation as Isabel instinctively protects Ruth from witnessing the horror.

Chapter 19

Isabel and Ruth are at church when news breaks of a British invasion, fueling tension in New York.
A riot ensues, and in the chaos, Ruth has another seizure, prompting Isabel to consider contacting Bellingham or Colonel Regan for help.

Chapter 20

As the British takeover causes unrest, Madam becomes increasingly erratic, yet unexpectedly offers Isabel kindness.
Celebrations erupt in New York after the Declaration of Independence, leading to the destruction of King George's statue.
Amidst the chaos, Isabel uses her night off for rest but awakens to the grim reality of Madam's machinations.

Chapter 21

Isabel discovers Ruth has been sold by Madam while she was unconscious, driving her into a desperate confrontation with Madam.
In a moment of panic, Isabel seeks Colonel Regan for assistance, but he claims legal restrictions prevent him from intervening.
A failed attempt to escape via a window results in Isabel being forcibly pulled back by Madam.

Chapter 22

Isabel experiences a brutal public punishment, tied to a wagon and beaten by onlookers.
She is imprisoned in a city dungeon, facing a terrifying environment with other prisoners.
Isabel stands trial for her disobedience to Madam, culminating in a court ruling that she be branded with the letter 'I' for insolence.

Description

Explore the major events from Chapter 12 of 'Chains'. This summary highlights Isabel's encounter with Lady Seymour and the dynamics in the Lockton household. Understand the character developments and the tensions brewing during this pivotal chapter.