Summary

Chapter 5

Alma is an inquisitive child and her parents make a point of answering her questions honestly, treating her like an adult even when she was only a small child. Alma proves to be a highly intelligent child, something both her parents take great pride in. Beatrix takes it upon herself to teach Alma, but rarely shows her much affection. For affection, Alma often goes to her mother’s servant, Hanneke de Groot. Alma’s father, on the other hand, has little but botany to teach his daughter and he is often known to fly into rages, so Alma learns early how to avoid the worse of his moods. However, Henry is known to tell amazing stories about his many adventures from his youth.

Alma is often left to play and explore on her own. For this...