# XVII: Near It explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Arnold Brinkworth and Geoffrey Delamayn meet privately in the library at Windygates. Arnold presses Geoffrey on his intentions toward Anne Silvester, but Geoffrey is evasive and secretly plans to deceive Anne with a sham marriage under Scotland's loose marriage laws. Arnold suggests consulting Sir Patrick Lundie for legal advice, but Geoffrey's attention is diverted by a letter from his brother Julius about Mrs. Glenarm's impending visit, forcing him to act quickly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Geoffrey plans to deceive Anne with a sham marriage, betraying her trust and his promises.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Arnold shows loyalty to Anne and Geoffrey, but Geoffrey's selfishness strains their friendship.

### Law and Injustice

Geoffrey seeks to exploit Scotland's marriage laws to commit an injustice against Anne.

## Character check-ins

### Geoffrey Delamayn

Contemplates a fraudulent marriage to pacify Anne; evasive with Arnold; receives a letter from his brother about Mrs. Glenarm.

### Arnold Brinkworth

Anxious about his involvement at Craig Fernie; urges Geoffrey to consult Sir Patrick; worries about Blanche discovering the truth.

### Anne Silvester

Mentioned as the woman Geoffrey plans to deceive; waiting alone at the hotel.

### Julius Delamayn

Writes to Geoffrey about Mrs. Glenarm's visit, forcing Geoffrey to act.

### Blanche Lundie

Mentioned as having visited Craig Fernie; Arnold fears her reaction if she knew the truth.

## Key lines

> A vague idea of at once pacifying and deluding Anne, by a marriage which should be no marriage at all, had crossed his mind on the journey.

Geoffrey considered tricking Anne with a fake marriage to calm her down while freeing himself.

_Reveals Geoffrey's deceitful plan to use Scotland's marriage laws._

> I have made a sacrifice to your interests, Geoffrey—and so has she.

Arnold reminds Geoffrey that both he and Anne have sacrificed for him.

_Highlights Arnold's sense of duty and Geoffrey's ingratitude._

> It's flesh—that's what's the matter with you. You're nigh on a stone over your right weight.

Geoffrey dismisses Arnold's anxiety as a physical problem of being overweight.

_Shows Geoffrey's crude, materialistic worldview._

## Links

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