# XI: Sir Patrick explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Sir Patrick visits Anne at the Craig Fernie inn, delivering messages from Lady Lundie and Blanche. He warns Anne that her arrival was seen by a servant, and urges her to help maintain peace at Windygates by writing to Blanche and avoiding conflict with Lady Lundie. Anne, initially resentful, recognizes Sir Patrick's considerate intent and writes to Blanche.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy of Society

Lady Lundie's message to Anne reflects societal judgment and the double standards applied to women.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Blanche's affectionate message and Anne's concern for Blanche's well-being highlight their bond.

### Suffering and Resilience

Anne endures Lady Lundie's insult and Sir Patrick's clinical delivery, yet resolves to act for Blanche's sake.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Silvester

Receives Sir Patrick's visit and messages; decides to write to Blanche to prevent conflict.

### Sir Patrick Lundie

Delivers messages from Lady Lundie and Blanche; advises Anne to help maintain tranquillity at Windygates.

### Blanche Lundie

Sent a message of love and anxiety to Anne via Sir Patrick.

### Lady Lundie

Sends a message severing intercourse with Anne and declining to act as reference.

### Mr. Bishopriggs

Shows Sir Patrick into the sitting room; is dismissed by Sir Patrick.

## Key lines

> I can do nothing with Lady Lundie. But I have more influence than anybody else over Blanche and I can prevent the collision between them which Sir Patrick dreads.

Anne realizes she cannot change Lady Lundie's mind, but she can use her influence over Blanche to avoid a confrontation.

_Anne's internal decision to write to Blanche to maintain peace._

> Your arrival at this place is no secret at Windygates. You were seen on the foot-road to Craig Fernie by one of the female servants.

Sir Patrick informs Anne that her presence at the inn has been noticed by a servant at Windygates.

_Sir Patrick's warning about Anne's visibility._

> Lady Lundie, accordingly, foregoes her intention of calling at the Craig Fernie inn, to express her sentiments and make her inquiries in person, and commits to Sir Patrick the duty of expressing her sentiments; reserving to herself the right of making her inquiries at the next convenient opportunity.

Lady Lundie sends a message through Sir Patrick instead of visiting Anne herself, but plans to investigate further later.

_Lady Lundie's formal and hostile message delivered by Sir Patrick._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xi-sir-patrick
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters