# LXII: A Rash Young Captain explained — The Maid of Sker

> Chapter companion for The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

## What happens

Davy Llewellyn, recovering from his wound, receives a visit from Captain Rodney Bluett, who brings news of Jack Wildman's deathbed confession and Harry Savage's heroic promotion under Nelson. They discuss plans to clear Sir Philip Bampfylde's name and restore Bardie's rightful place. Davy decides to proceed warily, while Rodney rushes off to Candleston Court to see Miss Delushy, where he arrives incognito and enjoys a meal before revealing himself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth and Narrative Reliability

Jack Wildman's dying confession is central to the plot, and Davy must decide how to use it to reveal the truth.

### Class Mobility and Ambition

Harry Savage's rise from a shamefully treated young man to a lieutenant under Nelson exemplifies ambition and merit.

### Family and Orphanhood

Davy's mission to restore Sir Philip Bampfylde's family and Bardie's rightful place underscores the theme.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Recovering from his wound, Davy receives Captain Bluett and plans to use Jack Wildman's confession to clear Sir Philip Bampfylde's name.

### Captain Rodney Bluett

Brings news of Harry Savage's promotion and Jack Wildman's confession; then rushes to Candleston Court to see Miss Delushy.

### Bardie

Mentioned as one of the innocent creatures Davy hopes to restore to proper rank.

### Sir Philip Bampfylde

Davy's primary concern is to restore his reputation and family love.

### Harry Savage

Now a junior lieutenant on Nelson's Vanguard, commended for his bravery.

### Miss Delushy

Rodney's sweetheart, whom he finds at Candleston Court.

## Key lines

> I cannot gainsay you, Llewellyn, after all my experience of the world. I would give my life to find it true. But how are we to establish it?

Captain Bluett admits he cannot argue with Davy's reasoning but wonders how they can prove it.

_Davy and Rodney discuss the feasibility of using Jack Wildman's confession._

> The idea is entirely my own, remember. It had never occurred to you, had it?

Davy claims the plan to establish the truth is his own invention.

_Davy asserts his ownership of the strategy._

> Worth goes a little way; birth a long way. But all these things have to be lawfully proven.

Davy reflects that merit matters less than lineage, but both require legal proof.

_Davy comments on social class and the need for evidence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxii-a-rash-young-captain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters