The Middle of Things · Chapter
XVII: The Claimant explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pawle and Richard Viner visit the law offices of Carless and Driver in Lincoln's Inn Fields, where they meet Lord Ellingham and his solicitor, Mr. Carless. Carless reveals that two solicitors, Methley and Woodlesford, had called on Lord Ellingham the previous day with an extraordinary story: a man calling himself Cave claims to be the long-lost Lord Marketstoke, the rightful Earl of Ellingham. The claimant has produced convincing papers and documents to support his identity, though he says he does not want the title or estates. Meanwhile, Mr. Pawle shares his own discovery that Ashton had been investigating the Cave-Gray family and that Avice Wickham is the daughter of the real Lord Marketstoke, making her the probable rightful heir. The chapter ends with Methley and Woodlesford arriving for their appointment.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Secrecy
The claimant's use of the alias 'Cave' and his claim to be the long-lost Lord Marketstoke highlight the theme of hidden identity and the secrets of the past.
Class and Inheritance
The dispute over the Ellingham title and estates, and the revelation that Avice Wickham may be the rightful heir, underscore the importance of inheritance and social standing.
Truth vs. Fiction
The claimant's story and the documents he produces are described as 'staggering,' raising questions about what is genuine and what is fabricated.
Characters to notice
- Richard Viner
Accompanies Mr. Pawle to the law offices and observes the proceedings with interest.
- Mr. Pawle
Reveals his discovery that Ashton had been investigating the Cave-Gray family and that Avice Wickham is the daughter of the lost Lord Marketstoke.
- Mr. Carless
Lord Ellingham's solicitor, who relays the claimant's story and the details of Methley and Woodlesford's visit.
- Lord Ellingham
Present at the meeting, having already heard the claimant's story from Methley and Woodlesford.
- Miss Wickham
Revealed by Mr. Pawle to be the daughter of the lost Lord Marketstoke and thus the probable rightful Countess of Ellingham.
- Mr. Ashton
Mentioned as having made secret investigations at Marketstoke and as the guardian of Avice Wickham; his murder is linked to the papers now produced by the claimant.
Key passages
“name is Avice—a name borne by a good many women of the Cave-Gray family”
Mr. Pawle notes that Avice is a common name among the Cave-Gray women, hinting at her family connection.
Mr. Pawle reveals the significance of Avice's name in linking her to the Cave-Gray lineage.
“I thought it would be something of that sort! ... Aye, I fancied that would be the game!”
Mr. Pawle was not surprised by the news of a claimant; he had anticipated such a development.
Mr. Pawle's reaction shows he expected a false claimant to emerge.
“He had no desire, he told them, to recover his title, nor the estates. He did not care a cent—his own phrase—for the title.”
The claimant stated he did not want the title or estates, only to be recognized.
The claimant's disavowal of interest in the title is a key part of his story.