# XIII: Both at Their Best explained — The Mystery of Edwin Drood

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Rosa and Edwin meet for a serious walk, where they mutually agree to break their engagement, transforming their relationship into a brother-sister bond. They plan to inform their guardians and Jasper, with Rosa intending to withdraw from Jasper's music lessons. Edwin decides to return the ring to Grewgious without telling Rosa, a decision that forges a metaphorical chain of fate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

Edwin's decision to keep the ring silent is described as forging a chain of fate, suggesting the interplay of choice and destiny.

### Duality and Deception

Both Rosa and Edwin keep reservations from each other, hinting at hidden motives and the complexity of their true feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Rosa Bud

Initiates the conversation to end the engagement, showing maturity and self-awareness.

### Edwin Drood

Agrees to the breakup, feels uneasy, and decides to return the ring to Grewgious.

### Helena Landless

Rosa's latest friend, but avoids mentioning Edwin Drood, creating a mysterious blank in their friendship.

### Mr. Grewgious

Referenced as the guardian who will be asked to break the news to Jasper.

### John Jasper

Edwin is afraid of Jasper's reaction to the news, and Rosa plans to withdraw from his music lessons.

## Key lines

> Let them be. Let them lie unspoken of, in his breast.

Edwin decides to keep the ring a secret and not mention it to Rosa.

_This decision is pivotal, as it sets the stage for future events._

> Let us change to brother and sister from this day forth.

Rosa proposes they become like siblings instead of future spouses.

_This marks the formal end of their engagement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se/chapters/xiii-both-at-their-best
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se/chapters