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What image does Grace see in her recurring reveries?

Red peonies. While the real-life author Susanna Moodie suggested that Grace Marks was haunted by the image of Nancy Montgomery's eyes, the fictionalized Grace asserts that the so-called eyes are actually flowers.

What alias does Grace use when she flees from the scene of the murder?

Mary Whitney. Grace recounts that she chose the name in the belief that the real Mary Whitney, a deceased friend, would have wanted her to use it. Jordan, Parkinson, and Kinnear are the surnames of other characters in the book.

Where does Grace's mother die?

At sea. Mrs. Marks dies while en route from Ireland to Canada. Grace is forever disturbed by her parent's maritime burial.

At Mrs. Alderman Parkinson's, Grace and Mary Whitney throw apple peels over their shoulders to find the initials of the men that they'll marry. Grace's apple peel forms a "J." What shape does Mary Whitney's apple peel take?

None. It breaks.. The broken apple peel foreshadows Mary Whitney's death, as her early demise means that she'll never marry. Grace meets at least four men who could help her fulfill the fruit's remaining prediction: Simon Jordan, Jeremiah the Peddler, James McDermott, and Jamie Walsh.

Mary Whitney dies after a botched procedure. What type of procedure is it?

An abortion. Her friend's tragic death, coupled with her own eventual institutionalization, causes Grace to develop a fear of doctors.

What does Dr. Jordan's mother urge him to do?

Marry. Throughout the novel, Dr. Jordan muses on the prospect of fulfilling his mother's domestic aspirations for him. Still, learning Grace's story remains one of his top priorities.

What psychological problem does Grace most obviously display?

Amnesia. Grace has no recollection of the actual murder of Nancy Montgomery. Dr. Jordan, Dr. DuPont and Reverend Verringer eventually speculate that her memory loss is the consequence of a recurring dissociative state.

Who hypnotizes Grace?

Dr. DuPont. He allegedly hopes to recover Grace's lost memories, but a possible ulterior motive for his actions surfaces late in the book.

What secret behavior does Grace see in the dark while under hypnosis?

Dr. Jordan and Lydia holding hands. Grace's comparative coarseness while in her trance disconcerts those around her, especially Dr. Jordan.

What pattern does Grace use on the quilt that she makes for herself at the end of the book?

Tree of Paradise. The novel is divided into sections named after quilt patterns. Grace notes that, in a symbolic gesture, the tree on her "Tree of Paradise" quilt will contain patches of fabric from Nancy Montgomery's dress, Mary Whitney's petticoat, and her own prison nightdress.