Isaac let himself be led into the brothel by Madam Astoria. What else was she going to do? What other choice did she have? It was clear that the Captain would not allow her back on the boat.
She was led to the room’s the Captain usually occupied when in town. The Captain had bought the building as a gift for his sister so he had permanent lodgings in the large house. The Captain's room was in a separate wing of the house from those occupied by the working girls and next door to Madam Astoria’s own rooms. Indeed, when the Captain was at sea she used this room as her parlour. Madam Astoria had just had the room made ready, thinking her brother her brother would be visiting, as soon as she had seen the ship entering the harbour.
Isaac found herself relating the complete story of what had happened to her, to Madam Astoria. She even showed Madam the amulet that had caused the change. The Madam listened in fascination and asked many questions. Henrietta, one of the working girls, who just happened to be a girl Isaac had been intimate with, bought them in some lunch. Henrietta gave Isaac a very inquisitive look, no doubt wondering who this new girl was. The Captain’s room was usually out of bounds to the working girls.
Madam sent her away but not before asking her to “Find some clothes that might fit young Isabel here and bring them back. She has none of her own”
When Henrietta had gone Madam told Isaac “I hope you don’t mind being christened Isabel. Isaac is not appropriate anymore. We should try and keep your identity secret”
“It’s as good as any” muttered Isaac. She didn't like how high pitched her voice now was.
Henrietta returned half an hour later with a bundle of clothes. “These were Annabelle’s. The new girl looks about her size”
When Henrietta had gone Isaac asked. “What happened to Annabelle?” Isaac knew Annabelle and had admired her striking figure. A girl she would have liked to have got to know better.
“Got herself pregnant and decided to keep the baby. Old man Busby made an honest woman of her last week. He may or may not be the father but Annabelle didn’t want her child to be a bastard”
“Oh”
“Let’s see what Henrietta found for you”