# The Plan explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Anne Silvester persuades Geoffrey Delamayn to agree to a secret marriage in Scotland. She outlines a plan for her to leave Windygates first, claiming to be privately married, and for him to follow her to a remote inn called Craig Fernie, where they can be married with witnesses. Despite his objections, she insists and he finally relents.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Its Legal Bonds

The chapter centers on Anne's plan for a secret marriage in Scotland, exploiting the legal simplicity of Scottish marriage laws.

### Gender and Power

Anne takes the lead in persuading Geoffrey, demonstrating her agency despite societal constraints, while Geoffrey's reluctance shows his discomfort with her assertiveness.

### Betrayal and Deception

Anne plans to deceive Lady Lundie and Blanche by claiming a private marriage, and the entire scheme involves secrecy and manipulation.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Silvester

Devises the plan for a secret marriage in Scotland, showing determination and resourcefulness.

### Geoffrey Delamayn

Reluctantly agrees to Anne's plan, raising objections but ultimately giving in.

### Lady Lundie

Mentioned as the hostess who has invited Geoffrey to stay; her voice is heard approaching at the end.

### Sir Patrick Lundie

Mentioned as being in conversation with Lady Lundie near the summerhouse.

### Blanche Lundie

Anne plans to leave a letter for her, explaining her departure.

## Key lines

> She took his hand, and began with all the art of persuasion that she possessed.

Anne held Geoffrey's hand and used her best persuasive skills to convince him.

_Shows Anne's deliberate and strategic approach to influencing Geoffrey._

> The place I mean is the loneliest place in the neighborhood. You have no prying eyes to dread there.

The inn she has chosen is very isolated, so they won't be observed.

_Highlights Anne's careful planning to avoid detection._

> A man and a woman who wish to be married (in Scotland) have only to secure the necessary witnesses and the thing is done.

In Scotland, a couple can marry simply by having witnesses present, with no formalities.

_Explains the legal basis for their plan._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/v-the-plan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters