The Dictionary of Lost Words

Esme returns home from boarding school for summer break and peers into the Scriptorium, but finds herself unable to enter, feeling unwanted and ashamed because she was sent away for stealing. She discovers a letter from Ditte and reads it in secret. It contains new suggestions for words and their definitions. Esme grows angry at Ditte’s role in sending her away.

Esme and Lizzie talk about education and freedom. Lizzie thinks Esme is lucky to be able to attend school. Esme writes to Ditte asking to be tutored by her rather than return to school, but Ditte kindly declines. Neither Harry nor Ditte know what boarding school is actually like for Esme because her teacher dictated all the words of her letters home, forcing her to lie about her time there. At night, Esme takes a candle to the Scriptorium and looks for words to describe what she’s feeling: “Abandon” and “Alone.” Harry finds her there and grows concerned about her intentions with the open flame. Esme leaves for school.

Harry visits Esme at school and is horrified to find her hands bruised from school beatings. He immediately withdraws her and they return to Oxford together for the Easter holiday.