# Confidential Intercourse explained — The Maid of Sker

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

## What happens

Davy reflects on Bardie's departure with Moxy Thomas, recalling her cleverness and the doll Patty Green he made for her. Through her play with the doll, Bardie reveals fragments of her past, including memories of a little brother, a white dog, and being called a 'young lady' at a gathering where she recited a greeting. Davy is moved by her innocence and the way she internalizes her troubles.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Orphanhood

Bardie's separation from her family and her longing for her mother and brother are central, as she confides in her doll.

### Truth and Narrative Reliability

Davy questions Bardie's understanding of truth and lies, and the reliability of her memories as revealed through play.

### Class Mobility and Ambition

Bardie's recitation of a polite greeting and her awareness of social rank hint at her upper-class background.

## Character check-ins

### Davy Llewellyn

Narrates the chapter, makes a doll for Bardie, and learns about her past through her play.

### Bardie

Shows precocious behavior, talks to her doll Patty Green, and reveals memories of her family and a white dog.

### Bunny

Davy's grandchild, present during Bardie's stay, described as slow and stupid compared to Bardie.

### Moxy Thomas

Comes to fetch Bardie back to Sker; Davy reluctantly lets Bardie go with her.

### Mother Jones

Visits Davy, reacts to the doll Patty Green, and helps dress it.

### Patty Geen

The doll made by Davy for Bardie, used as a confidante by Bardie.

## Key lines

> troubles inwardly, and to be full to the very lip of them, without the power of spilling. This, though a comfort to other people, is far worse for themselves, I fear.

Bardie keeps her sorrows bottled up inside, which may be easier for others but is harder for her.

_Davy observes Bardie's tendency to internalize her emotions._

> No, I ’ont, old Davy; I’ll thank God when I gets puddeny-pie.

Bardie refuses to thank God for fish and says she will only be grateful when she gets pudding pie.

_Bardie's playful and demanding nature regarding food._

> Must I beat poor Patty Geen?

Bardie asks if she must punish her doll Patty for stealing sugar.

_Bardie projects her own guilt onto the doll, showing her imaginative and moral reasoning._

> Ickle bother not like nat at all. Ickle bother not so big enough, and only two ickle teeth in front, and his hair all gone ayay it is, but mama say soon come back again.

Bardie describes her little brother as having only two front teeth and losing his hair, but says her mother says it will grow back.

_Bardie reveals details about her brother, indicating he may be an infant or ill._

> Bardie say ‘Pomyoleanian dog!’

Bardie says 'Pomeranian dog' with difficulty.

_Bardie's attempt to name a breed of dog, showing her vocabulary and memory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xx-confidential-intercourse
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters