# Anne Among the Lawyers explained — Man and Wife

> Chapter companion for Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Anne Silvester, under the alias Mrs. Graham, arrives at the Sheep's Head Hotel in Glasgow and consults two lawyers, Mr. Camp and Mr. Crum, about the legal status of her relationship with Geoffrey Delamayn. Mr. Camp opines that she is married; Mr. Crum contradicts him, stating there is no marriage. Following Mr. Crum's advice, she resolves to write to Geoffrey to inform him of his position and to authorize a trusted friend to handle the matter, despite her failing health.

## Themes in this chapter

### Law and Injustice

The chapter highlights the confusion and inconsistency of Scottish marriage law, as two lawyers reach opposite conclusions on Anne's marital status, reflecting the legal system's failure to provide clear justice.

### Suffering and Resilience

Anne endures physical pain and emotional distress while seeking legal advice, yet she perseveres to protect her friend and resolve the situation.

### Betrayal and Deception

Anne's use of the alias Mrs. Graham and her concealment of the full circumstances from the lawyers underscore the themes of deception and the betrayal inherent in her secret relationship with Geoffrey.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Silvester

Travels to Glasgow under the alias Mrs. Graham, consults two lawyers about her marital status, and resolves to write to Geoffrey despite her illness.

### Mr. Karnegie

Landlord of the Sheep's Head Hotel; notes Anne's good looks and poor health, but is overruled by his wife.

### Mrs. Karnegie

Suspicious and jealous of Anne; questions her fitness as a guest and refuses to discuss Anne's business.

### Mr. Camp

First lawyer Anne consults; opines that she is legally married based on Scottish marriage law.

### Mr. Crum

Second lawyer Anne consults; contradicts Mr. Camp, stating there is no marriage, and advises her to inform Geoffrey and seek a trusted intermediary.

## Key lines

> I see a plain inference of matrimonial consent in the circumstances which you have related to me and I say you are a married woman.

Mr. Camp declares that based on the facts, he believes Anne is legally married.

_Mr. Camp's opinion reflects one interpretation of Scottish marriage law._

> No marriage, ma'am. Evidence in favor of perhaps establishing a marriage, if you propose to claim the man. But that, as I understand it, is exactly what you don't wish to do.

Mr. Crum states that there is no marriage, though evidence might support a claim if Anne wanted to pursue it, which she does not.

_Mr. Crum's contradictory opinion illustrates the legal uncertainty._

> The letter! If I can only live long enough to write the letter!

Anne fears she may die before she can send the crucial warning to Geoffrey.

_Anne's failing health adds urgency to her mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxix-anne-among-the-lawyers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters