# My Mother-in-Law Surprises Me explained — The Law and the Lady

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

## What happens

Mrs. Macallan visits Valeria, initially praising her courage and fidelity to Eustace but criticizing his weakness. She warns Valeria against consulting Miserrimus Dexter, deeming him mad and unfit for advice. Despite the warning, Valeria remains determined, and Mrs. Macallan ultimately agrees to accompany her to meet Dexter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Deception

Eustace's concealment of his past and his assumed name are central to the conflict, with Mrs. Macallan criticizing his lack of trust.

### Gender Roles and Agency

Valeria asserts her independence by insisting on pursuing her own investigation despite warnings from both Major Fitz-David and Mrs. Macallan.

### Madness and Rationality

Miserrimus Dexter is portrayed as a madman whose testimony was erratic, yet Valeria believes his advice could be valuable.

## Character check-ins

### Valeria

Defends Eustace against his mother's criticism and insists on pursuing her plan to consult Miserrimus Dexter.

### Mrs. Macallan

Visits Valeria, expresses admiration for her spirit but warns her against consulting Dexter, and eventually agrees to accompany her.

### Eustace Macallan

Discussed as having joined a charitable brotherhood in Spain; his mother criticizes his weakness and secrecy.

### Miserrimus Dexter

Described by Mrs. Macallan as a madman with erratic behavior at the trial, yet Valeria seeks his advice.

### Major Fitz-David

Mentioned as having promised to introduce Valeria to Dexter, but Mrs. Macallan doubts his reliability.

### Doctor Starkweather

Referenced as having written to Mrs. Macallan, urging her to dissuade Valeria from her plans.

## Key lines

> My poor, wretched son—he takes after his father; he isn't the least like me!—is weak: weak in his way of judging, weak in his way of acting, and, like all weak people, headstrong and unreasonable to the last degree.

Mrs. Macallan asserts that Eustace is fundamentally weak-minded, stubborn, and unreasonable, unlike herself.

_This reveals Mrs. Macallan's critical view of her son's character and her belief that his weakness explains his secretive behavior._

> I only say that the last person whom a young woman, placed in your painful and delicate position, ought to associate herself with is Miserrimus Dexter.

Mrs. Macallan warns Valeria that consulting Dexter is inappropriate given her vulnerable situation.

_This echoes Major Fitz-David's earlier warning and underscores the societal judgment Valeria faces._

> I won't allow you to go by yourself. ... By going with you, to be sure, you obstinate hussy!

Mrs. Macallan insists on accompanying Valeria to Dexter's house rather than letting her go alone.

_This shows Mrs. Macallan's grudging support and her own headstrong nature, mirroring Valeria's determination._

## Links

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