Washington Black

A few weeks after they arrive in London, Wash falls ill and Tanna tends to him. He is feverish and unwell, not sure where he is, and is overcome by memories of his past: “Willard’s attack, that last sad dinner at which I’d caught my final glimpse of Big Kit, the flash of Titch’s eyes as the pane of hydrogen exploded in shards between us” (293). Wash wakes feeling better and goes out into the street, still reflecting on Titch and his past adventures. He realizes that, although Titch had been beloved to him, it was a one-sided relationship in which Titch struggled to see Wash as a person rather than a cause. Wash returns from his walk and begins to draw his memories of Faith Plantation, “all that I could remember of it, in brisk, vicious detail” (296).

Wash realizes that he wants to find out whether Titch is still alive. Deciding to go to Granbourne and seek him out, Wash writes a letter and receives a response from Titch’s mother inviting him to tea. When he tells the Goffs his plans, they are reluctant and uncertain. Tanna tries to prevent Wash from going, but when she is unsuccessful, she suggests that she join him.

Tanna and Wash travel to the estate together, which is crumbling and in disrepair, full of “buildings so rotted it was impossible they should be standing” (301). A manservant greets Wash and Tanna and leads them through the house. Mrs. Wilde meets Wash and Tanna and is less than friendly to them. As they sit and talk, Mrs. Wilde is distant but tells them that she has not seen Titch for three years. They learn from her that Faith Plantation has been sold and is no longer in the family’s possession.

Mrs. Wilde appears willing but unable to ask about Mr. Wilde’s death and his relationship with Peter. Mrs. Wilde tells Wash he might find Titch at Philip’s house, visiting his aunt. As Wash and Tanna are leaving, the manservant approaches them and confesses that Titch has been there as recently as two years ago, but he left after a fight with his mother. The manservant indicates that Titch might be at a local abolitionist society, called the “Anti-Slavery Society” (308).