← All chapters

The Circular Staircase · Chapter

VII: A Sprained Ankle explained

Rachel Innes investigates a mysterious figure locked in the laundry room, only to find the room empty upon forcing the door.

What happens

Rachel Innes investigates a mysterious figure locked in the laundry room, only to find the room empty upon forcing the door. She discovers a luxurious traveling bag at the lodge, which Warner claims belongs to Thomas. Gertrude is found limping from a sprained ankle, raising Rachel's suspicions about her involvement in the night's events.

Themes in this chapter

  • Secrecy and Deception

    Characters hide their movements and possessions, such as Warner's false claim about the bag and Gertrude's unexplained limp.

  • Isolation and Vulnerability

    Rachel feels the vulnerability of being in a strange house with servants she doesn't know, and the mystery deepens.

Characters to notice

  • Rachel Innes

    Investigates the locked laundry room and discovers a mysterious bag at the lodge.

  • Mr. Jamieson

    Leads the attempt to force the laundry room door and examines the escape route.

  • Gertrude Innes

    Found limping from a sprained ankle after being thought to be in bed.

  • Liddy Allen

    Arms herself with a frying pan and reports Rosie missing.

  • Warner

    Called to help force the laundry door; claims the traveling bag belongs to Thomas.

  • Thomas Johnson

    Reluctantly opens the lodge door; Warner claims the bag is his.

  • Rosie

    Reported missing by Liddy; left without her hat.

  • Mrs. Watson

    Makes tea and downplays Rosie's absence.

Key passages

  • “The day of the motorcar had come; no one had time for closed gates and lodge-keepers.”

    The era of automobiles made closed gates and lodge-keepers obsolete.

    Reflects the changing times and the openness of Sunnyside.

  • “People that trust themselves a dozen miles from the city, in strange houses, with servants they don’t know, needn’t be surprised if they wake up some morning and find their throats cut.”

    Liddy warns that trusting unfamiliar servants in a remote house is dangerous.

    Highlights Liddy's fear and suspicion of the household.

Read this chapter freeBook page