Chapter 1
Cassie Mortmain, a fifteen-year-old girl living in a crumbling castle in the English countryside, introduces herself and her family. Her father, James Mortmain, is a struggling writer and inventor; her stepmother, Topaz, is a former actress; and her younger siblings, Rose and Thomas, are twins. Cassie and her family live in poverty, but they are content with their unconventional lifestyle.
Example: "We lived in an ancient, rambling castle on the very top of a steep hill. It was a gloomy place, with turrets and towers and dark, winding passages."
Chapter 2
Cassie describes her daily routines, which include writing poetry, exploring the castle's ruins, and caring for the goats that provide milk for the family. She also mentions the mysterious disappearance of her aunt, Eliza, who lived in the castle before her.
Example: "On fine days we would go out and explore the woods that surrounded the castle. We would climb trees and build dens, and sometimes we would even swim in the moat."
Chapter 3
Cassie's life is disrupted by the arrival of Simon and Neil Cotton, two wealthy American cousins. The Cottons are fascinated by the castle and its eccentric inhabitants. Cassie finds herself drawn to Simon, who seems to understand her and her family's unique way of life.
Example: "Simon was tall and handsome, with dark hair and blue eyes. Neil was shorter and not as good-looking, but he was just as charming and talkative."
Chapter 4
Topaz befriends the Cottons and invites them to stay at the castle. As Simon and Cassie spend more time together, they develop a romantic connection. However, their relationship is complicated by the social and economic differences between them.
Example: "Simon was the first person who had ever really listened to me. He understood my poems and he shared my sense of humor."
Chapter 5
Topaz's flirtatious behavior towards Neil arouses James's jealousy. The tension between James and Topaz escalates, threatening to tear the family apart. Meanwhile, Eliza's ghost appears to Cassie, revealing that she was murdered by her husband.
Example: "Eliza was a beautiful woman with long, flowing hair. She was wearing a white dress, and she had a sad look on her face."
Chapter 6
Cassie investigates Eliza's murder, determined to expose the truth. She uncovers evidence implicating Neil and an old family friend, Thomas Howard. James confronts Neil, who confesses to murdering Eliza to steal her inheritance. Neil is arrested, and the Mortmains are finally free from the haunting secret.
Example: "I found a letter that Neil had written to Thomas Howard. In the letter, Neil described how he had killed Eliza and stolen her money."
Epilogue
Five years later, Cassie has published a successful book and is living in London with her husband, Simon. She visits the castle with her daughter, who is named Eliza after her late aunt. The castle has been restored and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Example: "I stood in the doorway of the castle and looked around. It was strange to be back, but it was also wonderful. The castle was beautiful, and it was filled with memories."
