Martha goes to Dr. Coleman’s Store while Ephraim crosses the frozen Kennebec on business. At the shop, Martha barters her handmade candles and finished copy of Emmeline for a new novel, cornmeal, molasses, and goods left on her account. Coleman tells Martha that Mr. Sewell paid for chocolate and tea because Martha saved his wife after the laudanum scare, and he reassures Martha that many in town still support her despite recent conflict.

Later, Martha meets Cyrus at Pollard’s Tavern, where he is reviewing a lumber order for Chandler Robbins. Before Martha can question him further about Robbins and Joshua Burgess, Sarah White arrives and repays both Martha’s fee and the court fine from her fornication case. Sarah explains that her father refused to help, so she earned the money herself over six months through odd jobs. Martha reflects on the injustice of a system that punishes unwed mothers while the men involved face no equivalent consequence.

Cyrus is visibly moved by Sarah’s pride and determination. He writes her a note calling her a good woman, but Sarah cannot read it, and Martha reads the message aloud. After Martha invites Sarah to the upcoming Frolic, Cyrus watches her leave with obvious feeling. When Martha asks how long he has loved Sarah, Cyrus reacts with anger and embarrassment, burns the note in the fire, and leaves the tavern.

Outside, Ephraim rejoins Martha and explains his delay: he picked up more lumber orders and learned that James Wall is building a distillery on leased land. Ephraim also reveals that James fell behind on a loan because a river delivery failed and Judge North demanded full repayment; James now plans to sell his prized horse rather than take on more debt. On the ride home, Martha tells Ephraim about Sarah’s repayment and Cyrus’s feelings, then forms two plans meant to give Sarah a better future: she will teach Sarah to read, and she will try to create an opportunity for Sarah and Cyrus to grow closer. Ephraim warns that Cyrus will not welcome interference, but Martha insists she is only making room for possibility.