Simon attempts to fill in some of the housekeeping gaps at his lodgings, but the house falls apart. Mrs. Humphrey makes breakfast, but she does not clean or do laundry. The heat of the summer makes everything seem dirtier. Other than breakfast, there are no regular meals, so Simon takes most of his meals at the inn.

Simon finds Mrs. Humphrey’s gratitude annoying. He does not find her attractive, but he imagines her naked. Mrs. Humphrey cannot cope. She spends a lot of time lying down in a dark room. She cannot be expected to do the cooking or cleaning, and she cannot seem to find anyone to come and work there, because Dora spread rumors about her around town. Occasionally, Simon attempts to feed Mrs. Humphrey so she doesn’t starve to death. He buys a chicken and cooks it for dinner, though he has never done such a thing before. Simon imagines asking Grace for housekeeping advice, but immediately dismisses the idea, because it would make him seem less authoritative.

Simon is losing his drive and focus. A stomach ailment causes him to dose himself with laudanum, which makes things worse. He only feels better when he’s with Grace. However, he finds that he cannot pay attention and remember the details of her story, just as they approach the most important part: the murders.