The Lost Apothecary

In James’s hospital room, Caroline sits shocked at the article she has just read. She feels a sense of “solitary connection” (267) with the apothecary, as she has visited all the places the apothecary likely passed during her lifetime. Caroline finds it strange that the article does not offer any physical descriptions of the woman, only noting that she wore dark, heavy clothing. The article is also unable to positively identify the killer. James wakes as Caroline ponders the article’s omissions. At the sight of him, and at the thought of almost losing him, something inside Caroline softens toward him; she can now stand to be around him for a bit, although her anger is still there.

James offers a lackluster apology for following Carolina to London, but he expresses satisfaction that Caroline will soon be home. Caroline tells him that she is quitting her job at the family farm because she plans to prioritize her own desires rather than the expectations of the other people in her life. James is skeptical of this decision. Caroline tells him that she is going to stop hiding from the truth, which is that she is unsatisfied with her life. To do this, she must be alone.