It has long been established that fear gives people the courage to do things they ordinarily wouldn't do and Isabel in Chains is no different in that regard. For her, fear acts as a spur to do the right thing, whether it's defending her epileptic sister Ruth or rescuing Lady Seymour from a raging fire.
In a way, Isabel's numerous acts of bravery are a way for her to deal with the almost permanent fear that she must feel as a slave, constantly subject to the whims of others. In her situation, many would just keep their heads down and do what they could to make the best of a very bad job. But not Isabel. She understands that it's better to die on your feet than live on your knees. So she takes risks—extraordinary risks—that put her in harm's way, but which at the same time also allow her to recover some of the dignity and self-worth that has long been denied to her as a slave.
In chapter 2, readers see that Isabel is scared by her slavery. We also know early on that Isabel is quite motivated to make sure that she is around for Ruth. Ruth is mentally handicapped in some way, and Isabel feels that it is her job to take care of her. In chapter 2, we get to see a little bit of how Isabel's fear help motivate her to do some very brave things.
My belly flipped with worry. I was breathing hard as if I'd run all the way to the village and back. This was the moment we'd been waiting for, the one that Momma promised would come. It was up to me to take care of things, to find a place for us. I had to be bold.
We can see that Isabel admits to her fear and worry, but she also knows that she has to "be bold" in order to improve their situation.
Another vivid example that comes to mind is when Isabel throws herself in front of Madam Lockton in order to take the beating for Ruth. Isabel is afraid of what the beating might do to Ruth, so Isabel bravely takes the punishment for her. However, it is when Madam Lockton moves Ruth to another property that readers get to see Isabel's fear and concern about Ruth's safety turn into straight fearlessness.
"Did you sell Ruth?"
"You will not address me in that insolent manner." Her voice shook a little. . . .
I took another step up. "Answer me, you miserable cow. Did you sell my sister?"
It is actually incredible that Isabel is brave enough to say that to Madam Lockton. She has made Isabel's life miserable, and she has the legal capacity to make Isabel's life much worse. From here on out, Isabel's desire to rescue Ruth far outweighs fears she has. She forcefully wills herself to overcome her fears in order to rescue herself and Ruth.
When I thought what they might do to me, I went to the necessary and had me a good puking. But the next day, I made my way up there again—food for the prisoners, water for the Locktons, and every once in awhile, a message to the gap-toothed man in the brown coat at the Golden Hill Tavern.
The fear of being caught as an escaping slave is still there. However, she is brave enough to take the risk and fake her papers that say that she is a free slave in order to rescue Curzon.
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