In which Bethanie and guest artist Aunt Artist discuss chapters 9-11 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Chapter 9 Summary

Mary Ann and Cath visit the cobbler shop of the Caterpillar, hoping to persuade him to lease his building to them, but the Caterpillar tells Mary Ann and Cath that his lease is owned by Duke Pygmalion Warthog, Duke of Tuskany; they’ll have to barter with him. However, the Caterpillar assures the girls that he thinks a bakery would do well in this location; Cath jokes that to ensure her bakery’s success, she’d even hunt down the treacle well, a mythical place said to exist in the Looking Glass maze. Mary Ann and Cath visit the Duke of Tuskany, and Cath realizes that he’s not as arrogant as she previously thought; he’s just awkward and lonely. He is at first reluctant to consider them to fill Caterpillar’s lease, but he agrees to it on the condition that Cath put in a good word for him with Margaret Mearle, whom the Duke harbors deep affection for. Cath, although astounded by this request, agrees.

Chapter 10 Summary

Cath dreads the upcoming tea party with the King but cannot help feeling excited at the prospect of seeing Jest again. She feels conflicted over the amount of time she spends fantasizing about Jest, particularly given that she should be focusing on her bakery. Cheshire appears and informs Cath that the bodies of the courtiers who were taken by the Jabberwock have been found—torn to shreds. Cath is horrified and wants to believe that the Jabberwock isn’t real, although Cheshire advises her that it’s unwise to “unbelieve” something just because she’s afraid of it. Cath feels that something must be done about the Jabberwock, but she knows that the complacent people of Hearts would rather ignore the disturbing truth than address it.

Chapter 11 Summary

At the King’s tea party, Cath searches for Jest but is disappointed when she doesn’t see him. Cath talks with Margaret and the Duke; Cath highlights the Duke’s positive qualities in front of Margaret, but Margaret treats the Duke haughtily. Jest finally appears, to Cath’s elation; however, her excitement dissipates when Jest delivers a summons to her from the King.

This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network.

Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.