Ten things? That's quite a few! Instead, I will give you a
general summary of this chapter and then you can pick out the information that you want
from it. It isn't that long a chapter, so you might even want to have a read of it
yourself.
This chapter primarily concerns the courtship
between William Ashby and Kit. Kit finds his first visit when he "calls" on her to be
slightly awkward as she doesn't know how to make conversation with him. What is worse is
that William seems quite happy to just sit and stare at her, not feeling the need to
talk to her at all. Kit, of course, does try to make conversation, but is frustrated by
its failure, and so she is greatly relieved when Rachel asks them in to join the rest of
the family and Holbrook, who is visiting. Rachel prepares popcorn for them and William
begins to talk about his house that he is having built. This topic moves on to a
discussion based on the right to own property, and Kit is amazed when William defends
his point of view against Matthew concerning politics. A small argument develops
concerning the policies of Governor Andros, and with three different points of view
represented. Matthew Wood argues against royalism and for the freedom of the colonists.
William seems to not want to anger the King, and finally John, as we would expect,
follows the position of his teacher, Dr. Bulkeley in saying that the problem is an issue
of interpretation of the charter.
The two visitors leave
shortly afterwards. Kit expresses relief that this will be the last visit of William
Ashby, but Mercy and Judith are swift to tell her the true intention of William's visit.
The house he talked about is being constructed for his new wife, and it is clear to them
that he is planning to marry Kit. Unfortunately for her, her cousins seem to be right,
and this is the first of many visits William makes to call on Kit. Although Kit is
confused by his attentions, she still looks forward to these visits as a welcome break
in a routine that consists of hard work, that, in spite of her efforts, she seems unable
to master.
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