Chapter 5: Violet

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.