Kate Plus 10 · Chapter
XII: A Motor Car Was Met by a Special Train explained
Lady Moya Felton defies her father Lord Flanborough and breaks her engagement to Sir Ralph Sapson, declaring her love for the impoverished Alphonso Blaxton.
What happens
Lady Moya Felton defies her father Lord Flanborough and breaks her engagement to Sir Ralph Sapson, declaring her love for the impoverished Alphonso Blaxton. Meanwhile, Michael Pretherston meets them at the station and supports Moya's decision. The chapter also follows Moya and Alphonso's joyful but perilous motor journey through Kent, culminating in a dangerous approach to a level crossing.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Moya and Alphonso's joyful, defiant love contrasts with the mercenary engagement to Sir Ralph.
Wealth and Greed
Sir Ralph admits the settlement is a big consideration; Lord Flanborough values money over Moya's happiness.
Characters to notice
- Lady Moya Felton
Defies her father and breaks her engagement to Sir Ralph, declaring her intention to marry Alphonso Blaxton.
- Alphonso Blaxton
Accompanies Moya on a motor trip; his face is scratched and clothes torn after an altercation; Moya announces she will marry him.
- Lord Flanborough
Confronts Moya about her engagement to Alphonso and unsuccessfully tries to persuade Sir Ralph to marry Moya without a settlement.
- Sir Ralph Sapson
Sulks after Moya's rejection; admits that the settlement was a big consideration in his desire to marry her.
- Michael Pretherston
Meets the party at the station, laughs at Moya's news, and invites her and Alphonso to dinner at Sebo's.
Key passages
““Would you care to marry Moya without the settlement we agreed, Ralph?” “What on earth do you mean?” asked Sir Ralph, astonished out of his sulks. Money was a subject which invariably aroused him from the deepest lethargy.”
Lord Flanborough asks Sir Ralph if he would still marry Moya without the financial settlement, and Sir Ralph, stirred from his sulks by the mention of money, reacts with shock.
Highlights the mercenary nature of Sir Ralph's interest in Moya.
““I am not,” she said resolutely. “And this is Fonso?” The girl nodded. Michael threw back his head and filled the station with laughter.”
Moya firmly states she will not marry Sir Ralph and introduces Alphonso; Michael laughs heartily at the situation.
Shows Michael's approval and the comic relief amid the romantic upheaval.
““I cannot understand myself,” she said. “I have been such a selfish mercenary pig. I didn’t know there was any happiness in the world.””
Moya reflects on her past materialism and expresses newfound joy in her love for Alphonso.
Demonstrates Moya's character growth and rejection of greed.