Weyward

The following morning, Violet speculates that her mother’s maiden name might have been Weyward, but the servants are unwilling to give her any information. When her father goes to Lancaster to pick up Frederick, Violet uses the opportunity to search her father’s study for clues about her mother. She is repulsed by the dead animal heads lining the walls as trophies from her father’s many hunts. In his desk, she finds a fine handkerchief monogrammed with E. W. and scented with lavender. Hidden in its folds is a black crow feather streaked with white.

The bundle of mementos awakens some new faculties in Violet because she can now hear the subtlest sound of nature outside. Graham alerts Violet that their father is returning, and she puts the handkerchief back in the drawer but keeps the feather. When she goes out to greet Frederick, she is struck by how handsome he is. At dinner that night, Violet quizzes Frederick about life in London, wondering if there are birds and animals there.

Kate hesitantly calls her mother, who is living in Canada. The latter says that Simon has been frantic with worry. Kate can’t work up the courage to tell her mother that she left her boyfriend.