Edward and Darling prepare for their departure for Bermuda and Liverpool. Edward schemes to make a fortune during the trip, and Isobel considers warning Darling of their past, but decides not to. The ship should return in four months and Edward expresses his hope that Isobel will be pregnant when he returns, embarrassing her in front of Darling. Afterwards, she decorates the cottage and plans to use what she learned of business, from listening in on Edward and Darling, to make her own fortune. She frequently explores Salem, which she finds quieter and more sober than Glasgow. Isobel studies the fashion of Salem’s women and tries not to look for Nat. She plans to make two dresses based on a Boston fashion magazine and ask a shop owner to display them. She hopes to attract customers with this display, which will enable her to save up for her own shop. Later, Edward comes home with a cask of rum and quickly grows drunk. Isobel disrobes to lure him away from the alcohol and pours it out the next day when he is out of the house.

Three days before the New Harmony is scheduled to depart, Isobel encounters Nat in a shop.