Chapter Four Summary

Serena is thoroughly angry with Brigham, feeling he had no right to kiss her so passionately after she had been hospitable to him. She enjoys violent thinking and has fantasies about hurting him. Serena has a bad temper that she often loses, and then feels guilty.

Mrs. Drummond, the family's cook, is a widow with hands like a farmer. She advises Serena to think more nicely about men and wonders if Rob MacGregor has come around. Serena tells her she does not want to marry and be bound to a man, but Mrs. Drummond has fond memories or marital relations. Mrs. Drummond notices the tension between Brigham and Serena, and she has her own eye on Parkins.

To take a break from heavy household chores, Serena takes a ride into the country. Fiona had tried to go to school for six...