# About the Crandall Jewels explained — The Mystery at Lilac Inn

> Chapter companion for The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene.

## What happens

Nancy Drew, after a discouraging search, hires Mrs. Sadie Carter as a housekeeper, then visits Emily Crandall to see the famous Crandall jewels. Emily reveals the jewels are still with Mrs. Willoughby, who is retrieving them from a safety deposit box, and that she is engaged to Dick Farnham. Nancy worries about the jewels' safety but tries not to borrow trouble.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Wealth

Emily's inheritance of the Crandall jewels and her plan to sell some to help Dick Farnham start a business highlight themes of wealth and social mobility.

### Risk and Bravery

Nancy's concern about the jewels' safety and Emily's decision to keep them at the cottage overnight reflect risk and bravery.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Hires Mrs. Carter, visits Emily, and learns about the Crandall jewels and Emily's engagement.

### Emily Crandall

Celebrates her birthday, discusses her inheritance and engagement to Dick Farnham.

### Mrs. Sadie Carter

Hired as housekeeper by Nancy; proves dependable.

### Mrs. Jane Willoughby

Mentioned as retrieving the Crandall jewels from a safety deposit box.

### Dick Farnham

Emily's fiancé; needs money to buy a business.

## Key lines

> A less enterprising and resourceful girl than Nancy Drew would have been hopelessly discouraged at the turn events had taken.

Nancy was not easily discouraged, unlike most girls.

_Highlights Nancy's perseverance._

> I'm going to sell a few of those jewels and set Dick up in business.

Emily plans to use her inheritance to help her fiancé start a business.

_Shows Emily's generosity and plans for the jewels._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_at_lilac_inn_se/chapters/iv-about-the-crandall-jewels
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_at_lilac_inn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_at_lilac_inn_se/chapters