# XI: Lady Moya Was Curiously Unlike Herself explained — Kate Plus 10

> Chapter companion for Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Michael meets Kate in a park, where she cryptically hints at a major criminal scheme involving Lord Flanborough and Sir Ralph Sapson, whom she has arranged to be out of London. Meanwhile, Lady Moya goes on a sketching trip with Alphonso Blaxton, leading to a romantic moment between them. Later, two explosions occur in Moorgate Street and Bartholomew Close, but nothing is stolen, leading Michael and T. B. Smith to suspect a diversion for a larger plot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Kate's cryptic hints and her manipulation of Flanborough and Sapson's whereabouts underscore the theme of deception.

### Class and Social Status

The romance between Moya and Alphonso highlights class differences, with Alphonso emphasizing his poverty versus Moya's wealth.

### Crime and Morality

The explosions and the planned heist, though foiled, reflect the ongoing criminal activities and moral ambiguities.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Pretherston

Meets Kate in the park, discusses her schemes, and later investigates the explosions.

### Kate Westhanger

Hints at a big criminal plan involving Flanborough and Sapson, whom she has sent out of London.

### Lady Moya Felton

Goes on a sketching trip with Alphonso Blaxton and shares a romantic moment with him.

### Alphonso Blaxton

Accompanies Lady Moya on a train trip and kisses her, revealing his feelings.

### Commissioner T. B. Smith

Called by Michael to investigate the explosions; suspects a diversion.

## Key lines

> I think it must be fate that brought me out this morning

Kate suggests that their meeting was destined.

_Kate's opening line to Michael in the park._

> we are going to do a big thing. The most colossal, the most daring that has ever been done and we are going to do it today.

Kate reveals that a major crime is planned for today.

_Kate's hint to Michael about the upcoming heist._

> I have arranged for those two gentlemen to be out of London on this bright Sabbath day.

Kate has ensured that Flanborough and Sapson are away from London.

_Kate explains her manipulation of the two men's schedules._

> This happened in a first-class railway carriage on a nonstop train. It had happened before to quite common people (as Moya had heard), but she never thought it would possibly happen to her, or that so vulgar a proceeding could be so wonderfully sweet.

Moya is surprised by the sweetness of Alphonso's kiss, despite its commonness.

_Narrative reflection on Moya's romantic experience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters/xi-lady-moya-was-curiously-unlike-herself
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