Chapter 32: Violet
Contains spoilers
Summary
- The chapter begins with a doctor examining Violet's abdomen and questioning her regularity of menstrual cycle.
- Violet is confused by the term 'menses' and embarrassed by the probing questions.
- Nanny Metcalfe, accompanying Violet, answers the doctor affirmatively, mentioning last month’s absence of menstruation.
- Violet experiences visions of a past traumatic event with someone named Frederick.
- The doctor inquires about Violet's virginity and confirms she is not intact after an intrusive physical check.
- There is an implication of a past sexual encounter with Frederick, shedding light on Violet's condition.
- Violet has to provide a urine sample, which the doctor takes with him, promising to call with results.
- Following the doctor’s departure, Violet overhears her father's angry reaction, resulting in smashed household items.
- Nanny Metcalfe avoids telling Violet the full situation but hints at a significant change ahead.
- Violet suffers from nightmares about Frederick and feels dread towards her impending future.
- Only Violet’s father and Nanny Metcalfe know the true nature of her illness, keeping it secret from the servants.
- Violet’s father confronts her about being pregnant and demands to know who the father is, which Violet confirms to be Frederick.
- Without Violet’s consent, her father plans for her to marry Frederick in the interest of family decency.
- Nanny Metcalfe prepares a suitcase for Violet, while Violet only adds Morg’s feather.
- The household staff believes Violet is going to a sanatorium, not knowing the true purpose of her departure.
- Violet is escorted by her father in his car, contemplating her limited life experiences and the rapid changes unfolding.
- Father informs Violet that he has arranged for her to marry Frederick for the sake of the child and family honor.
- The car ride is silent and tense, with Violet’s father disregarding her objections to the marriage.
- Violet and her father arrive at a foreboding, isolated cottage named Weyward, far sooner than expected.
- Violet is to stay at the cottage alone until Frederick can return for their wedding.
- Violet's father accuses her of seducing Frederick, paralleling Violet’s behavior with her mother’s past.
- Before leaving, Violet’s father reveals that the cottage belonged to her mother but provides no further explanation.