Elizabeth receives George’s personal items shortly after his death. She grieves him, imagining his hands touching his possessions. Elizabeth is comforted by a letter of support from Mrs. Lincoln. Elizabeth briefly imagines an alternative life in which Emma and George meet, fall in love, and get married. She prevents herself from having any further similar thoughts, respecting the fact that George died a free man fighting for the freedom of others. As the months go by, Mrs. Lincoln continues to repair and redecorate the White House, wracking up debts and attempting to hide them from Mr. Lincoln. Eventually, Mr. Lincoln is alerted to Mrs. Lincoln’s lack of budgetary restraint, and Elizabeth observes the couple argue frequently. Mr. Lincoln stops discussing political issues with Mrs. Lincoln altogether when she discloses essential information from one of Mr. Lincoln’s upcoming speeches to a reporter.

Elizabeth remains faithful to Mrs. Lincoln, staying out of her marital troubles while providing support and comfort in any possible way. Her patrons occasionally accost her with requests for introductions to the first family. One of her patrons attempts to bribe Elizabeth, wanting to be Mrs. Lincoln’s chambermaid as a way to get close to Mr. Lincoln. Elizabeth dismisses her patron, articulating her loyalty to Mrs.