Simon · Chapter
VII: The Drive Home explained
Ned Cromarty drives Cicely Farmond home from town, and their conversation grows intimate as he expresses his interest in her.
What happens
Ned Cromarty drives Cicely Farmond home from town, and their conversation grows intimate as he expresses his interest in her. Later, at Stanesland, Ned's sister Lilian subtly discourages his romantic intentions toward Cicely, hinting at Cicely's questionable parentage and a possible relationship with Malcolm Cromarty.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Status
Lilian argues that Cicely's uncertain parentage makes her unsuitable for marriage to a laird, highlighting class prejudices.
Secrecy and Silence
Lilian conceals her true feelings and manipulates the conversation, while Cicely hides her financial worries.
Suspicion and Rumor
Lilian spreads suspicion about Cicely's relationship with Malcolm Cromarty to undermine Ned's interest.
Characters to notice
- Ned Cromarty
Drives Cicely home, expresses romantic interest, and later discusses her with his sister Lilian.
- Cicely Farmond
Accepts Ned's coat and company, shares her financial dependence, and responds shyly to his attention.
- Lilian Cromarty
Ned's sister; shrewd and worldly, she subtly discourages Ned from pursuing Cicely by questioning her background.
- Simon Rattar
Mentioned as having been visited by Ned and Cicely; noted for evading questions.
- Malcolm Cromarty
Lilian hints that Cicely may be involved with him, discouraging Ned's interest.
Key passages
“One needn’t be a snob to think that one mother and a guess at the father is hardly enough!”
Lilian argues that Cicely's uncertain parentage makes her an unsuitable match for Ned.
Highlights class and legitimacy concerns.
“I was just saying to old Simon that the only kind of lady likely to take an interest in me was a female collector of antique curiosities”
Ned jokes that only a woman with a taste for antiques would find him attractive.
Shows Ned's self-deprecating humor and awareness of his age.
“It makes one so dependent”
Cicely confesses that her lack of money forces her to rely on others.
Reveals her financial vulnerability and desire for independence.