Chapter 5: Violet
Contains spoilers
Summary
- Violet, in a green dress, is nervously following her Father and Cecil into the drawing room after dinner.
- The drawing room is furnished with dark tartans and has a stuffed ibex head; it is a place for quiet and port, normally off-limits to women.
- Her Father, appearing displeased, does not invite Violet to sit as he pours himself a glass of port and settles into his chair.
- Father confronts Violet about her "unladylike" behavior of climbing trees and ruining her skirt.
- Violet is internally relieved about the damaged skirt as she disliked it, but she outwardly apologizes to her Father.
- Her Father warns Violet that her cousin Frederick is coming to visit, and she must behave appropriately or face being sent away to finishing school.
- Father implies a mysterious connection with someone else, likely her mother, whom Violet recalls asking about and getting punished.
- Violet is distraught at the thought of being sent away and losing her connection with nature and the estate she loves.
- She recalls overhearing a conversation comparing her to her mother.
- Violet resolves to stay in line just long enough to get through Frederick's visit, vowing not to be sent away and to live life on her own terms.