Chapter 5 Summary

When Merricat returns to the house in the morning, she has a playful conversation with Constance about going to the moon and eating rose petals there, but not poisonous rose petals. Merricat orders a nice, particular breakfast, and Constance makes it for her. Julian is working on his book, and Constance says that Cousin Charles is still sleeping. Merricat tells her that Charles was a ghost and she breaks a glass to show Constance that he really is a ghost.

Constance sits her down and explains that while Charles's father Arthur was alive, Charles couldn't come to help them because his father would not permit him to see them, but now that Arthur is dead, Charles has come to see them and help take care of them. Constance asks Merricat to be pleasant to Cousin Charles. This speech helps Merricat to feel a...