# XIX: Who Goes Home? explained — Clouds of Witness

> Chapter companion for Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers.

## What happens

Following the Duke of Denver's acquittal, Lord Peter and Parker celebrate, but the joy is marred when Grimethorpe attempts to assassinate the Duke, leading to a fatal crash. Lord Peter handles the aftermath, including a subdued encounter with Mrs. Grimethorpe, who is now free. The chapter ends with a drunken, comedic scene involving Lord Peter, Parker, and Freddy Arbuthnot, observed by Inspector Sugg.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and the Legal System

The chapter opens with the Duke's acquittal, showcasing the conclusion of the legal process, while Grimethorpe's vigilante attack underscores the limits of formal justice.

### Class Conflict and Social Mobility

Mrs. Grimethorpe's newfound freedom and her shopping trip symbolize a break from her oppressive marriage and a step toward independence, contrasting with the aristocratic world.

### Crime and Morality

Grimethorpe's attempted murder and death raise questions about moral culpability, while the Duke's acquittal and the drunken antics blur the lines between crime and celebration.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Peter Wimsey

Celebrates the acquittal, manages the Grimethorpe shooting aftermath, escorts Mrs. Grimethorpe, and ends the night drunk with Parker and Freddy.

### Mr. Parker

Briefs Lord Peter on Lady Mary's cross-examination and Mrs. Grimethorpe's dash to town; later found asleep drunk on a statue.

### Gerald Wimsey

Acquitted and reunited with family; narrowly survives Grimethorpe's assassination attempt.

### Mrs. Grimethorpe

Now free after her husband's death; she is indifferent to the Duke and plans to return to Cornwall, buying mourning clothes with Lord Peter.

### Bunter

Appears with scarlet and ermine robes to congratulate the Duke, showing his loyalty and efficiency.

### Freddy Arbuthnot

Joins the drunken revelry, ends up in Inspector Sugg's care after a chaotic taxi mix-up.

### Mr. Sugg

Finds Lord Peter, Parker, and Freddy drunk and disorderly; manages to get them home discreetly.

### Mr. Grimethorpe

Attempts to assassinate the Duke, fires wildly, and dies in a taxi crash on Westminster Bridge.

## Key lines

> Drunk as a lord? As a class they are really very sober.

The phrase 'drunk as a lord' is ironic because aristocrats are generally quite temperate.

_Sets a humorous tone for the chapter's depiction of drunkenness among the nobility._

> I am free now. I am going back to my own people in Cornwall. I do not want anything, now that he is dead.

Mrs. Grimethorpe declares her liberation and desire to return to her family, rejecting any further connection to the Duke.

_Highlights her emotional detachment and the end of her subjugation._

> Thank Gawd there weren't no witnesses.

Inspector Sugg is relieved that no one saw the drunken antics of the gentlemen.

_Reflects the theme of protecting reputation and the informal handling of aristocratic misbehavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xix-who-goes-home
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clouds_of_witness_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters