The Weight of Ink

The narrative resumes in April 2001. In the days since he received Marisa’s email, Aaron has been unable to think of anything else, and has lost interest in the research project. When Helen tells him that they urgently need to go to the Eastons’ house in Richmond, he reluctantly agrees.

When Aaron and Helen meet in Richmond, she shows him a copy she has made of the final, recently unsealed document. The document is much newer, dated May 1691. It contains an awkward poem, describing how the poem’s author is watching a woman die, and refusing to honor her request to burn her documents. The author also describes an affectionate and respectful (although not romantic) relationship to the woman, whom he admires for her brilliance and unconventional approach to life. The poem is signed by Alvaro HaLevy.

Helen and Aaron realize that Ester married not Manuel HaLevy, but his brother Alvaro, who had been condemned for being gay. The poem also implies that she carried on writing throughout her marriage, and that there may be more documents hidden in the house. Ian and Bridgette let Helen and Aaron in, since part of the house has been converted into public space.