# XIX: Under Examination explained — The Middle of Things

> Chapter companion for The Middle of Things by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Mr. Pawle, Mr. Carless, Lord Ellingham, and Viner prepare to question Miss Wickham about her past. Mr. Pawle outlines his theory that Wickham was actually the missing Lord Marketstoke, making Avice the rightful Countess of Ellingham. A key identifying detail—the missing second finger of the real Lord Marketstoke—is revealed. Miss Wickham is brought in and questioned about her father, her memories of Melbourne, and her mother. A family likeness between Avice and Lord Ellingham is noted, and Mr. Carless examines a keepsake she wears. After she leaves with Lord Ellingham, Mr. Carless admits Mr. Pawle's theory may be correct.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Secrecy

The chapter revolves around uncovering the true identity of Miss Wickham's father and the secret of the missing Lord Marketstoke.

### Class and Inheritance

The discussion of Avice's potential claim to the title and estates of Ellingham highlights themes of inheritance and social standing.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Pawle

Proposes his theory that Wickham was Lord Marketstoke and arranges the meeting with Miss Wickham.

### Richard Viner

Observes the family likeness between Lord Ellingham and Miss Wickham, and accompanies Mr. Pawle.

### Mr. Carless

Leads the questioning of Miss Wickham and reveals the identifying detail of the missing finger.

### Lord Ellingham

Accepts the possibility of Avice being his cousin and escorts her out after the interview.

### Miss Wickham

Questioned about her father, her memories of Melbourne, and her mother; shows a family likeness to Lord Ellingham.

## Key lines

> If Mr. Pawle's theory is correct, the position, my lord, is this. The young lady we hear of is Countess of Ellingham in her own right!

If Pawle is right, Avice would be the rightful Countess of Ellingham.

_Mr. Carless explains the legal implication of Pawle's theory._

> The real Lord Marketstoke, if he were alive, could easily be identified. He lost a finger when a mere boy.

The true Lord Marketstoke can be identified by a missing finger from a childhood accident.

_Mr. Carless reveals a key identifying detail about the missing earl._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xix-under-examination
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters