On her way to the Inkridden Tribune, Iris realizes she is being followed by a stranger in a trench coat. The man says he carries a message from Mr. Kitt and gives her an envelope stuffed with money, along with legal papers demanding that she annul her marriage to Roman, give up any claim on him, and stop interfering with his work at the Gazette. Iris immediately throws the money to the street, refuses to sign, and walks away, understanding that Mr. Kitt is now actively trying to separate her from Roman and control her actions.

When Iris reaches the Tribune, she finds Helena, Attie, and a driver named Tobias Bexley waiting beside a roadster. Helena explains that the train is no longer safe or reliable, so Tobias, a professional post runner, will drive Iris and Attie between towns and carry their articles back to Oath. Helena sends them west as correspondents to gather reports on Dacre’s plans, his damage to the land, and the effects of the war on civilians, while warning them to retreat at once if Tobias judges the situation unsafe.

Before leaving, Iris asks to change her byline to Iris E. Winnow, using Elizabeth as a tribute to her grandmother. As Tobias drives them out of Oath, Iris looks back and sees Mr. Kitt’s associate still watching, which confirms that her father-in-law intends to keep pressure on her. On the road, Attie questions Tobias and learns that he is a post runner and motorcar racer, proud of his speed but wary of rain, which can turn the roads dangerous.

The roadster carries them quickly across the countryside as a storm builds overhead. They reach River Down before the weather breaks and are met by Marisol Torres, whose warmth brings Iris and Attie immediate comfort after recent upheavals. Overcome by delayed emotion, Iris clings to Marisol, and Marisol invites both women inside for cocoa and biscuits while Tobias tends to the car and prepares to bring in their luggage.