Chapter 30

Summary

• The protagonist has one final task in her village before she can return to her father’s manor.
• Villagers who previously disregarded her now show interest, seeking gossip, but she rejects conversation to avoid feeding rumors.
• She gives out bags of silver and gold to the poor, who don't ask questions and are hesitant to accept the money.
• On her way back, she encounters Tomas Mandray and overhears him talk about looting a burned-down house. His gaze toward her is inappropriate, but she stares him down and continues on.
• She meets Isaac Hale and his new wife, who share a happy moment before noticing her. Isaac’s humanity and transformation into a man are apparent through their interaction.
• Finding no romantic feelings for Isaac, she passes them with a heartfelt well-wish.
• Back at her father's manor, preparations for a ball in her honor stir emotions about the past and the villagers who let her family suffer. She wishes to avoid it but knows it's temporary.
• The protagonist works on Elain's garden to stay occupied and reflects on her lack of passion for painting, promising herself she will start again soon.
• While gardening, she has an exchange with her sister Nesta who probes into her willingness to fit in with the village's social circles.
• Nesta throws a wooden piece with foxglove painted on it, revealing the falsehood of "Aunt Ripleigh" and how Nesta saw through the glamour because of her iron will.
• Nesta questions the missing details of the protagonist's past events and discloses she went to retrieve her from Prythian.
• The protagonist is shocked to learn Nesta tried to save her, revealing deep care beneath her harsh exterior. Nesta's attempted journey confirms her strong character and their bond.
• Nesta shares her realization that Tomas Mandray wouldn't have saved her, and the protagonist reassures Nesta she's better off without Tomas.
• The conversation ends with Nesta asking her sister to teach her how to paint, an activity they embark on together.
• Despite the difficulty, painting serves as a way for them to connect and avoid the chaos of the upcoming ball.
• As the manor prepares for the ball, they appreciate Elain's decorations, but Nesta expresses lingering resentment toward their father for letting them suffer in the past.
• Nesta shares her deep-seated hatred for their father, blaming him for their mother's death and resenting his failure to provide for their family.
• The chapter concludes with the protagonist preparing for the upcoming ball, reflecting on her capacity to do anything for her loved ones compared to her father’s inaction.