Yellow Wife

Essex tells Pheby that he heard a rumor that Delphina lost Bell’s fortune after his death, and asks Pheby to try to send the letter again. Pheby says it is too dangerous, but Essex reminds her that this is their only pathway to freedom. When she leaves the jail cell, she finds that Rubin has returned with her daughters. Monroe is not with them. Her daughters embrace her, crying that they never want to be parted from her again. Joan and Isabel tell Pheby that Monroe has been left on a plantation.

In the morning, Rubin asks Pheby to join him for breakfast. Rubin calls for July to come in the room, and tells her that she will be prepared that day for auction. When July asks why she is being punished, Rubin tells her that her sale is Pheby’s punishment for disobeying him and attempting to help Essex. Pheby must prepare July. She takes extra care by sewing a secret pouch into July’s dress where she places coins and herbs for healing.

Pheby is consumed with guilt. Essex is still in jail, Monroe is on a plantation, and July is being sold. Pheby’s daughters are distraught at the loss of July. Rubin tells Pheby that she must prepare for a carriage ride and that Sissy will care for their daughters. Rubin drives Pheby out of city limits and down a dirt road. He asks Pheby if she loves Essex, and she tells him that she does not. When they arrive at a mansion, Rubin introduces Pheby to a man he is doing business with and his wife. The man’s wife poorly conceals her distress at hosting Pheby. Rubin and Pheby stay the night, and Pheby overhears the couple discussing her stay.

In the morning, they tour the plantation, and Pheby finds Monroe working in the stables. Pheby learns that Monroe has not been sold but is there to help reform the stable. The plantation owner is pleased with Monroe’s skills. On the ride back to Lapier’s jail, Rubin tells Pheby that this will be a fresh start and that, if she disobeys him again, he will sell Monroe.