Brood of the Witch-Queen · Chapter
VII: Sir Elwin Groves’ Patient explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Bruce Cairn sends Myra Duquesne to a Scottish manor for safety after Sir Michael's will divides the legacy between her and Antony Ferrara. Sir Elwin Groves consults Dr. Cairn about Lord Lashmore's mysterious throat wounds, which resemble fang marks, and the strange attacks occurring in his locked bedroom. The incidents suggest a supernatural agency, possibly linked to Ferrara, who is a regular visitor at the Lashmore house.
Themes in this chapter
Sorcery vs. Science
Dr. Cairn and Sir Elwin Groves apply medical reasoning to wounds that defy natural explanation, hinting at supernatural attacks possibly orchestrated by Ferrara.
Appearance vs. Reality
Ferrara is socially accepted despite his dark practices; Lord Lashmore's accident story conceals the true, horrifying nature of the attacks.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Bruce Cairn
Consults with Sir Elwin Groves about Lord Lashmore's case; has sent Myra Duquesne to Scotland for protection.
- Antony Ferrara
Co-legatee of Sir Michael's will; frequents Lady Lashmore's parties; known to Dr. Cairn as a dangerous practitioner of sorcery.
- Myra Duquesne
Sent to a Scottish manor in Inverness by Dr. Cairn to keep her away from Ferrara.
- Robert Cairn
Mentioned as experiencing heartburnings over Myra's departure.
- Lord Lashmore
Patient of Sir Elwin Groves; suffers mysterious throat wounds resembling fang marks; attacked in his locked bedroom.
Key passages
“When a substantial legacy is divided into two shares, one of which falls to a man, young, dissolute and clever, and the other to a girl, pretty and inexperienced, there is laughter in the hells.”
When a large inheritance is split between a cunning young man and a naive young woman, dark forces are amused.
Opening line sets a tone of foreboding about the consequences of Sir Michael's will.
“They are like the marks of fangs; of two long, sharp fangs!”
The wounds appear to be made by two long, sharp fangs.
Sir Elwin Groves reveals the true nature of Lord Lashmore's injuries, suggesting a vampire-like attack.