Lyddie expands her personal library; inspired by Ezekial, she acquires a copy of the Bible and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave Written by Himself. When she learns that Brigid cannot read, Lyddie uses her method of copying pages to paste to her loom to teach Brigid the alphabet. Each page Lyddie creates features a letter and a drawing of a concept beginning with that letter. Lyddie begins inviting Brigid to meet with her in their spare time so that Lyddie can continue teaching her. Brigid improves as a weaver, able to take charge of two looms by herself, and even assists Lyddie in mentoring the increasing number of new employees in the weaving room. Lyddie finds herself repeating to Brigid phrases Diana once said to her. Her physical strength fully restored, Lyddie is imbued with energy and motivation. Since Lyddie’s return after stomping on his foot, Mr. Marsden has stopped paying her special attention. Lyddie is relieved, feeling that she no longer needs to worry that he may seek an excuse to dismiss her.

Lyddie receives a letter from Charlie reproaching her for not responding to Luke’s proposal, encouraging Lyddie to strongly consider marrying him.