Chapter Six Summary

In Chapter Six, Rose turns sixteen. The only thing that continues to flourish on the Marchand estate is the rose garden. Rose fears her stepmother and Desiree are practicing witchcraft as they whisper often about "him" and "the circle," and grow poisonous herbs. There is also a sulfurous smell coming from Ombrine's room one night. Rose starts carrying a knife in her apron. Because the family is so desperate for food, Rose is allowed to wander where she wants as long as she returns with food. As Rose continues to take solace in the rose garden, she wonders why it was so important to her mother that she know that she is loved.

As time passes the same dark times that the Marchands have been facing are spreading to the rest of the countryside. There has been no rain for a...