Mary, while playing by herself in one garden, enjoys the company of the robin and is glad to at last feel much less lonely. Ben introduces Mary to the garden robin, who is very friendly and likes humans. There she meets a groundskeeper named Ben Weatherstaff, who is initially gruff yet gradually starts to warm up to Mary. For the first time in her life, Mary must use her own imagination and is left to play outside in the massive gardens. She realizes that the servants in Yorkshire behave quite differently from those in India Martha, for instance, refuses to dress Mary and instead encourages the little girl to be more independent. In the first few days after arriving at the manor, Mary must acclimate to her new environment. When they arrive at the mansion, Mary is sent straight to her new room and meets her servant, Martha Sowerby. Craven has become somewhat of a hermit after losing his beloved wife 10 years prior. Medlock about her uncle’s reclusive behavior. In the car ride to the manor, Mary is informed by Mrs. Mary continues behave very disagreeably, feeling a reluctance to move to this unknown place. Mary journeys to England by boat and is met by Mr. The estate is called Misselthwaite Manor. As a result, Mary is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, at his huge estate in Yorkshire, England. Later she is found by a police officer who tells her that both her parents have also perished from the disease. She does’t feel much sadness and goes to take a nap. One day, there is news of a cholera outbreak and Mary finds out abruptly that her nurse Ayah has died. Ayah and the other servants are extremely docile and will indulge Mary’s every whim, which has led her to become a very spoiled little girl who expects others to do everything for her. Mary has been mostly raised by her Indian servant named Ayah.

She lives in India with her father, a British statesman, and her mother, a self-absorbed woman who frequently is out at parties and socializing. The book opens by introducing Mary Lennox, a sour and disagreeable 9-year-old girl.

Secret garden story summary