Summary

In Chapter 26, which continues Violet’s story, Frederick half carried Violet to the nearby woods because she was drunk. When she complained she was thirsty, he gave her more brandy. Frederick lay Violet down. She wanted to ask what he was doing because he was getting on top of her, but he put his hand over her mouth and pinned her arms to her sides as he raped her.

Afterward, Frederick noted that Violet did not look well. He said that they would tell her father that she had fallen during their walk. As Violet got up, she saw her mother’s pendant glimmering in the grass. At first, she thought that he had broken it, but she realized it was a locket. There was a tiny key inside. When they reached the house, Frederick commented that he was sure Violet had...