# I: The Bride’s Mistake explained — The Law and the Lady

> Chapter companion for The Law and the Lady by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Valeria marries Eustace Macallan (then Mr. Woodville) in a small, dreary ceremony. She mistakenly signs her married name in the register, which her aunt interprets as a bad omen. After parting with her uncle and aunt, and old Benjamin, she and her husband leave by train, sharing their first kiss as a married couple.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Identity

Valeria's mistaken signature symbolizes the loss of her maiden identity and the beginning of her new role as a wife.

### Secrets and Deception

The absence of the groom's family and the ominous atmosphere hint at hidden tensions and undisclosed truths.

## Character check-ins

### Valeria

The bride, who signs her married name by mistake and reflects on her appearance and feelings.

### Eustace Macallan

The groom, whose hand trembles as he signs the register; he is tender and loving with Valeria.

### Doctor Starkweather

Valeria's uncle, who performs the marriage service and gives her a hearty farewell.

### Benjamin

Her father's old clerk, who gives her away and bids her a quiet goodbye.

## Key lines

> I signed my married instead of my maiden name.

Valeria accidentally wrote her new married name in the register instead of her birth name.

_This act is seen as an omen by her aunt._

> A dreary wedding—there is no denying it—and (if Aunt Starkweather is right) a bad beginning as well!

The wedding was gloomy and, according to her aunt's superstition, a poor start to the marriage.

_Valeria acknowledges the foreboding tone of the day._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters/i-the-bride-s-mistake
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_law_and_the_lady_se/chapters