# XLII: The Smoking-Room Window explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Lady Lundie confronts Blanche with the truth about Arnold Brinkworth's secret visit to Craig Fernie with Anne Silvester, where he was believed to be her husband. Blanche refuses to believe it and challenges Lady Lundie to prove it. Lady Lundie proposes a test: Blanche will hide while Lady Lundie speaks to Arnold through the smoking-room window. Arnold inadvertently confirms the secret, and Blanche, devastated, agrees to leave the house with Lady Lundie.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Lady Lundie's revelation exposes the deception surrounding Arnold's secret visit to Craig Fernie, leading to Blanche's sense of betrayal.

### Marriage and Its Legal Bonds

The chapter revolves around the secret marriage-like arrangement between Arnold and Anne, highlighting the legal and social implications of such bonds.

## Character check-ins

### Blanche Lundie

Blanche is in a state of shock and denial after Lady Lundie reveals Arnold's secret visit to Craig Fernie with Anne Silvester. She confronts her stepmother and agrees to a test to hear the truth from Arnold himself.

### Lady Lundie

Lady Lundie orchestrates the revelation, calmly and methodically forcing Blanche to face the truth. She uses the smoking-room window as a stage to expose Arnold's secret.

### Arnold Brinkworth

Arnold is caught off guard by Lady Lundie's sudden appearance and inadvertently confirms the secret of his visit to Craig Fernie with Anne Silvester, unaware that Blanche is listening.

## Key lines

> I can't believe it! I won't believe it! You're trying to part me from my husband—you're trying to set me against my dearest friend. It's infamous. It's horrible.

Blanche refuses to accept Lady Lundie's accusation, accusing her of trying to destroy her marriage and friendship.

_Blanche's initial reaction is one of denial and anger, showing her deep trust in Arnold and Anne._

> I am going into the garden, to speak to Mr. Brinkworth through the smoking-room window. Have you the courage to come with me; to wait behind out of sight; and to hear what he says with his own lips?

Lady Lundie proposes a test where Blanche will eavesdrop on a conversation with Arnold to hear the truth directly from him.

_Lady Lundie uses a manipulative but effective method to force Blanche to confront reality._

> I know where you went on the evening of my lawn-party at Windygates—you went to Craig Fernie. I know whom you went to meet—Miss Silvester. I know what is said of you and of her—you are man and wife.

Lady Lundie reveals to Arnold that she knows about his secret visit to Craig Fernie and the rumor that he and Anne are married.

_This direct accusation confirms the secret that Arnold had been trying to hide from Blanche._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlii-the-smoking-room-window
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters