What Happens

In a Newgate crowd, Sarah becomes separated from Eliza. Henry Bogle assists Eliza onto a platform where they show support for the Claimant. Guildford Onslow discusses working-class backing for the Claimant, followed by the Claimant addressing the crowd, emphasizing the importance of a fair trial. Eliza begins to reconsider her doubts about the Claimant's authenticity.

Eliza resorts to deception with William, feigning research on the Touchet family history at the British Library while secretly attending Tichborne meetings. Eliza anticipates Henry's arrival for a Tichborne meeting outside the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. She contemplates these gatherings' repetitive nature and deepening admiration for Henry's kindness and integrity.

Henry arrives late, and Eliza studies the statues on the Free Trade Hall's facade as she waits. She contemplates the allegorical figures, noting that America and Africa are depicted with less clothing, and Africa appears inaccurately represented. Upon Henry's arrival, she shifts her focus, and they proceed.

The narrative shifts to 1838. As William delves into his novel, leaving his daughters somewhat neglected, Eliza contemplates his absence from their lives. He requests that she visit the girls at school on his behalf, and though she hesitates, she eventually agrees. During her journey, she finds herself fascinated and repulsed by someone easy to talk to and a good listener, but she questions his kindness.

Eliza, Dickens, and Forster bring a lemon cake to Miss Harding's School for Young Ladies. The girls greet them with hugs and gratitude, expressing their joy.

Forster passionately supports repealing pro-landlord laws and praises the era of innovation and industry. Charles and Forster also commend the middle class and the Grants' generosity as hosts. Eliza, however, urges caution, emphasizing the significance of legislation over relying solely on Catholic goodwill.

They reach the Grant Brothers' factory, where the Grants recount their journey from poverty to wealth, primarily due to low cotton prices. Eliza tries to see the factory as a place where diligent local girls operate printing presses.

The Grants explain their method of paying the girls with coins stamped "Grant." Forster and Charles commend the system, while Eliza silently considers the sustainability of benevolence. However, the presence of four talkative men hinders her from expressing her thoughts.

The story moves to 1873. The trial begins with the prosecution presenting a strong case against the Claimant. They point out inconsistencies, like secret payments to Arthur Orton's siblings, inaccurate ship records, and the absence of a tattoo on the Claimant's left arm. The Claimant's use of the fake name "Tom Castro" in South America is highlighted, and his supporters are portrayed negatively. A racially insensitive remark is made about Bogle.

The prosecution's case against the Claimant lasts seventeen days, with 215 witnesses. The Claimant appears uninterested, often doodling in court. Sarah complains about the trial's length and asks Eliza for an estimate, to which she guesses it might fill eight volumes.

Eliza observes George Kenealy's shift from poet to defense lawyer. Later, William mentions Kenealy's involvement in a child mistreatment scandal and disagrees with punitive measures against such men. Eliza asks about William's biography of Dickens, and he expresses disappointment with its incomplete portrayal. Eliza reassures him about his literary pension, and William reflects on his aspiration for knighthood, prompting Eliza's thoughts on this trait in men.

In December 1840, Eliza and William attend a literary gathering with Dickens, Thackeray, and Kenealy to celebrate William's recent books. Eliza speaks briefly with Kenealy, who is dissatisfied. Thackeray later toasts Richard Carlile, a political agitator, and criticizes William's editorial decisions, particularly including works by titled authors. Eliza and Thackeray discuss William's writing, with...