About this story
Hector signs himself Papa's son in letters twice as proudly as he signs himself Blanche's husband. You step into this one-chapter preview with Mary May at the center, where choices turn on the people, promises, and pressure already in the room. Below, Dr May's bag was already gone to the town where seventeen known cases had begun multiplying beyond one household's reach. The chapter closes on a continuation question rather than resolving the novel's larger arc.
How it opens
Richard arrived for tea while you, Mary, Aubrey, and Gertrude traded jokes over letters from Blanche's Edinburgh honeymoon.
Gertrude MayHector signs himself Papa's son in letters twice as proudly as he signs himself Blanche's husband.
Aubrey MayHe may have married chiefly for the privilege of acquiring our father.
Three family weddings have emptied these cups one pair at a time, and tonight even Papa's chair is vacant.
Richard MayDr Spencer called him out after dinner; illness in the Lower Pond Buildings may explain the hour.
Choose
Pour fresh tea for Papa and leave the wedding letters ready for him.
Ask Richard what he has heard from the poor district.