Among Crows explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Status

  The importance of a London season, marriage prospects, and the social expectations placed on Lettice.

• Gender Roles and Women's Agency

  Lettice's aunts and Lilla McCormack discuss the limited options for women, particularly the pressure to marry well.

• Deception and Truth

  Captain Ivie McCormack's languid demeanor may hide his true character, and Lilla's manipulation of his marriage prospects.

Characters to notice

• Lettice Tremarten

  Persuades her father to allow a London season; her aunts worry about her behavior and her association with the McCormacks.

• Aunt Rosamond

  Disapproves of Lettice's interactions with Captain Ivie McCormack and warns her about her conduct.

• Aunt Judith

  Shares her sister's concerns about Lettice's behavior and the influence of the McCormacks.

• Captain Ivie McCormack

  Discussed by the aunts and Lettice; later seen with his sister Lilla, discussing his debts and the need to marry a wealthy girl.

• Lilla McCormack

  Accompanies her brother in social settings; later pressures him to find a wealthy bride to resolve his debts.

• Mr. Tremarten

  Lettice's father, who agrees to her London season and discusses Dr. Herron's proposal with Aunt Rosamond.

Key passages

• “I feel quite ashamed when I have to tell people I have never seen the parks nor been to the Opera, nor, what is worst of all, kissed the Queen’s hand.”

  Lettice expresses embarrassment at her lack of exposure to London society, including not having been presented at court.

  Lettice uses this to persuade her father to allow her a season in London.

• “I won’t incur the responsibility of having you here another season, so this will be your one and only chance of making a creditable marriage, therefore you had better be prudent and—”

  Aunt Rosamond warns Lettice that this is her only opportunity to secure a good marriage, so she must behave carefully.

  Aunt Rosamond emphasizes the importance of a proper marriage for Lettice's future.

• “Your only chance, I tell you, is to fascinate some girl (with money, of course) in her first season, and stick to her in spite of everyone and everything.”

  Lilla advises her brother to charm a wealthy debutante and pursue her relentlessly to solve his financial problems.

  Lilla's pragmatic advice reveals the mercenary nature of marriage in their social circle.