# A Twosome explained — Catriona

> Chapter companion for Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

David receives three letters on the same day: one from Alan offering to visit, and two from Scotland announcing his uncle's death and his inheritance of the Shaws estate. James More overhears David mention Alan Breck and inquires about him. When David shares the news of his inheritance, James immediately shifts his demeanor and later, after sending Catriona away, pressures David to marry her or face a duel. David refuses to be coerced and insists on speaking with Catriona alone, leading to a tense standoff.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Identity

David's sudden inheritance shifts his social standing, prompting James More to view him as a suitable match for Catriona.

### Deception and Manipulation

James More feigns concern and friendship while manipulating David into a marriage proposal, revealing his self-serving motives.

### Love and Sacrifice

David's love for Catriona is evident, but he refuses to be coerced into marriage, prioritizing her free will over his desires.

## Character check-ins

### David Balfour

Receives news of his uncle's death and his inheritance; stands firm against James More's coercion regarding Catriona.

### James More Macgregor

Shows interest in Alan Breck; upon learning of David's inheritance, pressures David to marry Catriona or face a duel.

### Catriona Drummond

Reacts joyfully to David's inheritance news but is soon sent away by her father; her feelings for David are evident.

### Alan Breck Stewart

Mentioned in a letter offering to visit David in Leyden; James More inquires about him and his role in the Appin incident.

### Rankeillor

Sends a business-like letter to David regarding the inheritance.

### Barbara Grant

Sends a witty letter to David, teasing him about Catriona and chiding him for not writing.

## Key lines

> I am come into my kingdom fairly, I am the laird of Shaws indeed—my uncle is dead at last.

David announces that he has inherited the estate of Shaws following his uncle's death.

_This marks a turning point in David's fortunes and triggers James More's change in attitude._

> Either that I should cut your throat or that you should marry my daughter.

James More presents David with two stark options: duel to the death or marry Catriona.

_Highlights James More's coercive and manipulative nature._

> If I find you so averse to let me see the lady by herself, I must suppose you have very good grounds to think me in the right about her unwillingness.

David suggests that James More's refusal to let him speak privately with Catriona implies she is unwilling to marry him.

_David uses logic to counter James More's pressure, asserting Catriona's agency._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters/xxvii-a-twosome
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/catriona_se/chapters