Chapters 5 & 6: Sad Songs & A Surprising Invitation Summary

Ruby and Gisselle speak to their father on the phone. Ruby worries that he sounds sick and stressed, despite the fact that their absence from New Orleans was supposed to ease tension. Mrs. Penny escorts them, along with Abby, to their introductory tea with Mrs. Clairborne. They are driven by Buck, whom Gisselle takes an intent interest in, wondering how Ruby and Abby already know him. Mrs. Penny gives the girls a history of the Clairborne family and mansion, a former sugar plantation. As they get their bearings in the great house, Ruby notices that all the clocks are stopped at 2:05. Like her niece Mrs. Ironwood, the elderly Mrs. Clairborne has a stern presence. After the girls introduce themselves, Mrs. Clairborne makes a speech about the important values and traditions of Greenwood. Even...