What happens to Ruth at the end of Chains?

Unfortunately, readers are not given this
information. Earlier, readers and Isabel assumed that Madam Lockton sold Ruth and that the
likelihood of Isabel finding her is very unlikely. Then in chapter 43, Isabel bravely defies
Madam Lockton's demand to hand over a note. Isabel throws the note into the fire, and Madam
Lockton is so angered that she threatens to sell Isabel and Ruth. Isabel
and readers are caught by surprise because we learn that Madam Lockton didn't sell
Ruth.

"Couldn't find a buyer. Had to ship her down to
Charleston. I shall tell the estate manager to get rid of her, toss her in the
swamp."

It was a lie to intentionally upset Isabel.
Madam Lockton couldn't find anybody that wanted to buy Ruth presumably because of her mental
disorder. This information propels Isabel into escaping the Lockton household by forging her
freedom papers and escaping New York. The book ends by giving readers the impression that Isabel
will seek out and find Ruth. Book two in the series is focused on Curzon. He and Isabel did not
go together to find Ruth, and readers will have to continue on to book three in the series for
further information about what happened to Ruth after Madam Lockton sent her
away.