# VI explained — Something New

> Chapter companion for Something New by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Ashe Marson's first night at Blandings Castle is marked by a confrontation with the Efficient Baxter, who suspects him of planning to steal the scarab. Ashe deflects suspicion by claiming Mr. Peters summoned him for a late-night reading session. Baxter resolves to catch Ashe red-handed in the museum. Later, Ashe and Joan Valentine meet in the stable yard and reveal they are both competing to recover Mr. Peters' scarab for the five-thousand-dollar reward, setting up a rivalry between them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Ashe pretends to be a loyal valet reading to his employer, while actually plotting theft; Baxter suspects but cannot prove the deception.

### Wealth and Its Discontents

Mr. Peters' insomnia and weak digestion reflect the physical toll of his wealth, and the scarab's value drives the central conflict.

### Comedy of Manners and Mistaken Identity

The late-night confrontation and the absurd reading excuse highlight the farcical misunderstandings and social maneuvering among the characters.

## Character check-ins

### Ashe Marson

Confronted by Baxter in the hall, he uses the excuse of reading to Mr. Peters to avoid suspicion. Later, he meets Joan and acknowledges their competing goals.

### Rupert Baxter

The Efficient Baxter confronts Ashe in the hall, suspects him of theft, and decides to leave the museum door open as a trap to catch him in the act.

### J. Preston Peters

Awakened by Ashe's arrival for the reading session, he expresses frustration and warns Ashe about Baxter's suspicions.

### Joan Valentine

Found in the stable yard playing with a puppy, she reveals she has known Ashe's mission all along and declares they are rivals for the scarab reward.

## Key lines

> What are you doing here?

Baxter demands an explanation from Ashe upon finding him near the museum at night.

_Baxter's direct challenge sets up the confrontation._

> I've come to read to you.

Ashe tells Mr. Peters he is there to read aloud, using the excuse Baxter heard.

_Ashe maintains his cover story despite waking Mr. Peters._

> I knew it directly I saw the advertisement in the Morning Post.

Joan reveals she recognized Ashe's plan from the newspaper ad.

_Joan's foresight establishes her as a clever rival._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se/chapters