Graham stayed with Violet until September before returning to Harrow for schooling, which their father would fund only until graduation.
Their father's letter ignored Violet's existence, which made Graham worry about leaving her on her own.
Violet reassures him, mentioning she will garden by planting seeds given by the village greengrocer and keeping the helleborine for the bees.
Graham promises to bring books for Violet at Christmas and departs for the bus station.
Suffering from traumatic memories of an assault by Frederick, Violet struggles with dreams and the loss of a child, realizing she will never have her own family.
A letter arrives from Frederick informing Violet of their father's death from a heart attack and revelations that neither she nor Graham are his biological children.
Frederick is now the Tenth Viscount Kendall and he sends a deed transferring ownership of Weyward Cottage to Violet, which angers her.
Despite not mourning their father, Violet feels the absence of her mother and grandmother deeply, acknowledging their recent passings.
Graham refuses an allowance offered by Frederick, aspiring to earn a scholarship for law school and rejecting ties to the money which he feels is not Frederick's to offer.
Reflecting on nature and the lifecycle of mayflies during the winter, Violet becomes inspired and summons a power within to envision a future revenge against Frederick.
Graham returns for Christmas with stolen library books as a gift for Violet, who shows a strong interest in entomology.
The siblings contemplate Violet's future, with Graham hopeful about supporting her interests once he becomes a successful lawyer.
The chapter ends with Violet feeling a sense of hope and a sense that everything will eventually turn out well for her.