Kate's Inherited Cottage
Kate inherits Weyward Cottage from her late great-aunt Violet expecting a place that might offer her solace and connection to her roots. However, upon arriving at the cottage, she encounters emotional isolation rather than a feeling of belonging. She grapples with haunting memories, a disconnected past, and a lack of tangible familial connections. Ultimately, she feels more alone and adrift than ever before. The cottage, meant to be a link to her ancestry, ironically intensifies her emotional detachment instead.
Altha's Healing Abilities
Altha's natural healing abilities are meant to aid and comfort people but lead to her being accused of witchcraft. She possesses innate healing skills, passed down through generations, enabling her to help women with reproductive care. She utilizes herbs and ancient knowledge to support other women in childbirth and related issues. However, her talents—viewed as unconventional and threatening by the patriarchal society she inhabits—become the very reason for her accusation of witchcraft. Instead of being revered for her abilities, Altha faces persecution and is falsely labeled as a witch, which leads to dire consequences.
Violet's Feelings Towards Frederick
Violet is infatuated with Frederick and is eager for their interactions during breakfast and at the shooting range. However, when she tries to engage in conversation and understand his life better, she naively asks about his wartime experiences. Her intention to establish a deeper connection with him ironically leads to Frederick recounting the horrors of war—describing the gruesome reality of killing and the psychological toll it takes on a person. Instead of fostering a positive rapport, her attempt at conversation backfires, which leaves both of them in an awkward and distressing situation.
Violet's Antipathy
Violet expresses her reluctance to engage in shooting due to her compassion for animals and a dislike for killing. Despite her reservations, her father insists on her involvement in clay pigeon shooting with Frederick and him. The irony lies in Violet's genuine concern for life, which clashes with the activity she is being pushed into. Her discomfort becomes evident when she is handed the rifle to try shooting for the first time and the experience leaves her physically and emotionally shaken. This is completely contrary to her father's expectation of her enjoying the activity.
The Mother's Identity
Throughout the narrative, Violet investigates the mystery surrounding her mother's identity— indicated by the scratched inscription "Weyward" in her room. She wonders about its significance and its connection to her mother. However, she remains oblivious to the potential link between "Weyward" and her mother's last name. The readers are aware of this connection, which creates a sense of anticipation as Violet tries to unravel the mystery without having all the necessary information. This creates tension and curiosity as we witness Violet's quest while holding crucial information that she lacks.
