# Annie Gets the Best of It explained — Lorna Doone

> Chapter companion for Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

John Ridd discovers his sister Annie in the churchyard at night, dressed in her best clothes, and after a tense exchange, she confesses her secret romance with Tom Faggus. Annie cleverly turns the tables on John, tricking him into revealing his own love for Lorna Doone. The chapter ends with John smoking his first pipe and reconciling with Annie, though both now hold secrets over each other.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

The sibling bond between John and Annie is tested as they confront each other's secrets, yet they ultimately reconcile and promise mutual loyalty.

### Love and Sacrifice

Annie's secret love for Tom Faggus and John's hidden affection for Lorna Doone illustrate the sacrifices and risks of love in a society that demands discretion.

## Character check-ins

### John Ridd

John confronts Annie in the churchyard, learns of her secret engagement to Tom Faggus, and is tricked into revealing his love for Lorna Doone.

### Annie Ridd

Annie is found weeping at their father's grave, confesses her relationship with Tom Faggus, and cleverly extracts John's secret about Lorna.

### Tom Faggus

Revealed as Annie's secret suitor and godfather; John criticizes him as a highwayman without land.

### Lorna Doone

Mentioned by John as the object of his love, leading Annie to discover his secret.

### Lizzie Ridd

Briefly mentioned as the younger sister who still harbors ill will over their father's death and whom John fears will learn his secret.

## Key lines

> Can your love do a collop, John?

Can your beloved cook a deer steak?

_Annie teases John by comparing Lorna's domestic skills to Sally Snowe's, leading him to reveal Lorna's name._

> Lorna Doone is the lovely maiden, who has stolen poor somebody's heart so.

Lorna Doone is the beautiful girl who has captured someone's heart.

_Annie triumphantly repeats Lorna's name after tricking John into admitting his love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxx-annie-gets-the-best-of-it
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters