Summary

In Chapter 20, which returns to Violet’s story, as Violet dressed for dinner she wondered if she looked different since she had been kissed. During dinner, Violet noticed Frederick put brandy in his drink when her father was not looking. She noticed that Frederick’s eyes were glazed and wondered if he was drunk.

Violet was not particularly interested in being married and wondered if she married Frederick if he would allow her to pursue her studies. As she thought of their kiss, she felt a pain in her chest. She had not expected love to feel so much like fear.

In Chapter 21, which returns to Kate’s story, Kate spends her time reading the books on Violet’s shelves. She notices several of them bear the stamp from Kirkby’s Books and Gifts, a store located in the village.

The woman...