Chapter 49: Violet
Summary
- Violet rushes to get dressed as Father and Doctor Radcliffe arrive during a storm.
- Doctor Radcliffe and Father find Violet in a state of shock, with her surroundings stained with blood after a miscarriage.
- Graham explains to them that Violet has lost the baby; Father and Doctor Radcliffe show no compassion towards her.
- Doctor Radcliffe insists on examining Violet and confirms she needs a week of bed rest and fluids; Father doubts Violet’s innocence regarding the miscarriage.
- Violet experiences a sense of detachment and retreats mentally to cope with the trauma and accusations.
- When Violet wakes up, Graham informs her that Father and Doctor Radcliffe have left, and he will stay with her; Father's pretense of propriety in front of the doctor is noted.
- Violet contemplates the wedding to Frederick being called off with relief.
- Graham expresses his belief that their Father does not trust their account of the miscarriage.
- Violet and Graham discuss their mother, Elizabeth Weyward; Violet reveals the truth about their mother's death and about their grandmother.
- Violet decides not to share further family secrets with Graham, unsure of his reaction as a man.
- Over the week, Violet and Graham work together to clean the cottage and garden, restoring order and normality.
- Graham cares for Violet, chopping wood for the winter and marking the grave of the miscarried baby, which Violet reluctantly accepts.
- Father and Doctor Radcliffe return, noting Violet's recovery; Father informs Violet she will be sent away to finishing school in Scotland, but she defiantly refuses.
- As Violet stands her ground, she feels a newfound power within her and summons bees that swarm around Father.
- Graham sides with Violet, refusing to leave with Father. Bees chase Father away after Violet takes the house key from him.
- Violet confirms that the bees will no longer harm Graham as Father leaves, symbolizing Violet and Graham's resolve to stay and face the future together.