Catriona · Chapter
I Am Much in the Hands of the Ladies explained
David Balfour, having finished copying documents he suspects were a pretext, rides to Edinburgh to see Lord Advocate Prestongrange, only to learn from Doig that Catriona Drummond has been released.
What happens
David Balfour, having finished copying documents he suspects were a pretext, rides to Edinburgh to see Lord Advocate Prestongrange, only to learn from Doig that Catriona Drummond has been released. He intends to go to Lady Allardyce's, but Miss Barbara Grant detains him with playful banter and a ballad. She reveals that Catriona pleaded with the Advocate for David's and her father's lives, and that Catriona kissed David's hand out of admiration for his bravery. Miss Grant offers to act as an intermediary, promising to convey David's devotion to Catriona while keeping her whereabouts secret to protect her father's interests.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Catriona's plea for David's life and her kiss on his hand demonstrate her willingness to risk her own safety for his sake.
Deception and Manipulation
Miss Grant's playful banter and strategic withholding of Catriona's whereabouts show her using charm and wit to control the situation for her father's benefit.
Social Class and Identity
David's self-consciousness about his country accent and his deference to Miss Grant's higher social standing highlight class dynamics.
Characters to notice
- David Balfour
Arrives at the Lord Advocate's after a weary ride, learns Catriona has been freed, and is detained by Miss Grant's playful conversation.
- Barbara Grant
Intercepts David with a ballad, teases him about his haste, and reveals she helped Catriona plead with the Advocate; she offers to be David's 'speaking board' to Catriona.
- Catriona Drummond
Mentioned as having been released from imprisonment; she pleaded with the Advocate for David's and her father's lives and kissed David's hand in admiration.
- Doig
Informs David that Catriona has been set free and suggests she may have gone to Lady Allardyce's.
- Lord Advocate Prestongrange
Mentioned as having been persuaded by Catriona and Miss Grant to release Catriona and handle the political situation.
- Lady Allardyce
Mentioned as the possible destination for Catriona; David had earlier visited her garden.
Key passages
“The copying was a weary business, the more so as I perceived very early there was no sort of urgency in the matters treated, and began very early to consider my employment a pretext.”
David found the copying tedious and soon suspected it was just an excuse to keep him occupied.
David's suspicion that the work was a pretext reflects his growing awareness of being manipulated.
“She is a very staunch, brave nature, but I think she has been little used with tenderness; and at that caress (though to say the truth, it was but lightly given) her heart went out to me.”
Miss Grant describes Catriona as strong and courageous but unaccustomed to kindness, and that a small gesture of affection won her over.
This reveals Catriona's emotional vulnerability and the impact of David's gentle actions.
“I will take up the defence of your reputation. You may leave it in my hands.”
Miss Grant promises to clear David's name regarding the abduction rumor.
Miss Grant's offer shows her protective role and her influence in managing social perceptions.