# XII: “I Love You!” explained — The Jade God

> Chapter companion for The Jade God by Alan Sullivan.

## What happens

Derrick returns to Beech Lodge to find Edith busy and practical, providing a stabilizing presence. He shares some details from the jail visit, and Edith advises him to protect Jean from the grim details. Derrick then visits the Millicents, where Mrs. Millicent greets him warmly, and he asks permission to destroy the jade image, which she grants. The chapter ends with a growing sense of relief and the budding romance between Derrick and Jean.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Secrecy

The lingering secrets of Perkins and Mr. Millicent are discussed, and Edith advises Derrick to shield Jean from the grim details.

### Love and Redemption

The chapter highlights the growing love between Derrick and Jean, and Mrs. Millicent sees the tragedy as leading to something positive.

### The Occult and Supernatural

The jade image is described as carrying bad luck and danger, and its influence over Mr. Millicent and Perkins is discussed.

## Character check-ins

### Edith Derrick

Provides practical support and emotional stability for Derrick, advises him on handling Jean and the Millicents.

### Mr. John Derrick

Returns from Bamberley jail, shares limited details with Edith, then visits the Millicents to discuss the jade image and his relationship with Jean.

### Jean Millicent

Present with her mother when Derrick visits; her eyes convey a silent message of love and understanding.

### Mrs. Millicent

Greets Derrick with quiet affection, asks about the jade image, and gives permission for its destruction; acknowledges the bond between Derrick and Jean.

### John Martin

Returns to Beech Lodge looking like a changed man, with a new gravity; touches his cap to Derrick but does not speak.

## Key lines

> The thing is done with, Jack, all except this horrid inquest, at which you say Jean and I won't have to appear, and you don't know how glad I am of that.

Edith tells Derrick that the worst is over except for the inquest, and she is relieved that she and Jean won't have to testify.

_Edith expresses relief that the legal proceedings will not involve her or Jean._

> I've a feeling that you'll have a good many years in which to tell her the rest of it—I mean anything more you think she should know—but don't burden her with what is so grim, if you can help it.

Edith advises Derrick to take his time revealing the full story to Jean and to spare her the harshest details.

_Edith counsels Derrick to protect Jean from the grim truth._

> Do you think I can't see how it is between you two? The strange part is that the last three months should have resulted in this, that out of shadows and uncertainty should come something so different.

Mrs. Millicent acknowledges the romance between Derrick and Jean, marveling that tragedy has led to love.

_Mrs. Millicent sees the positive outcome of the recent events._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jade_god_se/chapters/xii-i-love-you
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jade_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jade_god_se/chapters