The Nebuly Coat · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Nebuly Coat by John Meade Falkner.
Chapter 1
Prologue
Sir George Farquhar briefs his understudy, Westray, on the restoration work at Cullerne Minster, warning him about critics and highlighting structural concerns with the south transept roof, choir vaulting, and central tower, while noting the parson's incompetence.
Chapter 2
I
Westray arrives at Cullerne Minster and is met by Canon Parkyn, the organist Mr. Sharnall, Dr. Ennefer, and Mr. Joliffe. The Rector shows him around the church, pointing out the Blandamer aisle and the dilapidated roof. The organist criticizes the Blandamers for not contributing to restoration, while the doctor insists on sanitary flooring. Westray notices cracks in the tower arches and recalls his chief's warnings about the tower's stability. The clerk recounts a past bell-ringing incident that was stopped due to fears the tower might collapse.
Chapter 3
Chapter II
Westray settles into Bellevue Lodge, where Miss Euphemia Joliffe and her niece Anastasia care for him. Over dinner, the organist Mr. Sharnall reveals the tragic story of Martin Joliffe, who believed he was the rightful Lord Blandamer due to the nebuly coat, and wasted his life and his sister's savings in pursuit of this delusion.
Chapter 4
Chapter III
Westray settles into his lodgings at Bellevue Lodge, where his aesthetic sensibilities are offended by the decor, particularly a garish flower painting. After ringing for his landlady, he is surprised to be answered by Anastasia Joliffe, who has been taking a violin lesson from Mr. Sharnall. Westray's embarrassment at the social awkwardness is palpable. Later, he encounters Mr. Joliffe, the pork-butcher, who offers pious platitudes about the church restoration. Meanwhile, Anastasia returns to Sharnall, who is irritable and makes a crude joke; she breaks down in tears, confessing her misery over unpaid debts and her aunt's struggles.
Chapter 5
Chapter IV
Westray explores the Minster's architecture, then listens to Clerk Janaway's lengthy account of the Joliffe family history, focusing on the mysterious Sophia Flannery (Martin Joliffe's mother) and Martin's obsessive claims to the Blandamer inheritance.
Chapter 6
Chapter V
Westray and Miss Joliffe discuss the flower painting; she refuses to move it, revealing it was painted by her mother and that a London dealer has offered fifty pounds for it. Westray is baffled by the offer given the picture's apparent worthlessness. Later, Westray and Sharnall talk about the picture and Miss Joliffe's dilemma, and Sharnall shares his cynical views on family loyalty and memory.
Chapter 7
Chapter VI
The chapter describes the daily evensong service at Cullerne Minster, led by the elderly curate Mr. Noot, with the organist Mr. Sharnall and a diminished choir. On a warm autumn Saturday, a stranger enters the church and joins the choir, singing the tenor part with skill and precision. His presence revitalizes the choir, and after the service, Mr. Sharnall plays a fugue as a tribute. The chapter also recounts the history of Richard Vinnicomb, who saved the abbey church from destruction and endowed its daily service, and how subsequent rectors, including Canon Parkyn, have reduced the endowment.
Chapter 8
VII
Anastasia Joliffe receives Lord Blandamer at Bellevue Lodge while her aunt is at the Dorcas meeting. She shows him to Mr. Westray's room, and later informs her aunt, who is flustered and delighted by the visit. The chapter also describes Miss Euphemia Joliffe's devotion to the Dorcas Society and her character.
Chapter 9
VIII
Miss Joliffe recounts Lord Blandamer's visit to Bellevue Lodge, describing him as affable and condescending. Anastasia listens silently, her cheeks red. Later, Westray and Mr. Sharnall criticize Lord Blandamer for his stinginess and poor reputation, while Anastasia grows increasingly distressed. Only Miss Euphemia Joliffe speaks well of him after waking from a nap.
Chapter 10
IX
Lord Blandamer's generous offer to fund the restoration of Cullerne Minster stirs the town. Canon Parkyn feigns reluctance but ultimately accepts, while Miss Joliffe and Anastasia discuss the news. Westray meets with Lord Blandamer to inspect the church, and the letter from Blandamer sets off a chain of preparations.
Chapter 11
X
Westray returns from London to find Sharnall has shared tea with Lord Blandamer, who offered to fund organ repairs. Sharnall struggles with accepting the offer despite his antipathy, while Westray persuades him to reconsider. Meanwhile, Sharnall reveals Miss Joliffe's financial distress and proposes buying her flower picture to help her.
Chapter 12
Chapter XI
The new Bishop of Carisbury, Dr. Willis, plans to hold a confirmation at Cullerne Minster and will lunch with Mr. Sharnall. Canon Parkyn and Mrs. Parkyn discuss the impropriety of the Bishop dining with the organist, and the Canon eventually offers to host the lunch. Meanwhile, Mr. Sharnall becomes increasingly possessive of Martin Joliffe's papers, which he had been studying with Westray, and Miss Euphemia Joliffe worries that the papers will bring misfortune.
Chapter 13
XII
Westray visits Sharnall in the organ-loft, where the organist plays his service in D flat. During the performance, Westray becomes disturbed by a sense that the great crack in the tower arch is moving. He abruptly leaves to inspect it, then rushes to London to consult Sir George Farquhar about the danger.
Chapter 14
XIV
Westray returns to Cullerne and is interrupted by Miss Euphemia Joliffe, who is anxious about Mr. Sharnall's absence. Westray dismisses her concerns initially, but as the night wears on and Sharnall does not return, he grows uneasy. After checking Sharnall's room and finding no clues, Westray decides to search the minster. There, in the organ loft, he stumbles over Sharnall's dead body, with the nebuly coat shining above.
Chapter 15
Chapter XV
Westray, tormented by jealousy and suspicion, resolves to propose to Anastasia Joliffe after realizing Lord Blandamer's visits to Bellevue Lodge are not merely for architectural discussions but likely to pursue Anastasia. He decides to travel to London to consult his mother before making his move, walking through the night to catch the train.
Chapter 16
XVI
Anastasia Joliffe reflects on her ambitions and independence after receiving a marriage proposal from Westray. She considers her talents and dreams of becoming a novelist, while her aunt Miss Joliffe probes about the letter. Anastasia ultimately resolves to reject Westray's offer, viewing it as an unromantic and condescending attempt to provide for her future.
Chapter 17
Chapter XVII
The chapter explores the scandalous rumors spreading through Cullerne about Lord Blandamer's frequent visits to Bellevue Lodge and his relationship with Anastasia Joliffe. Westray defends Anastasia's honor against the gossip, while Clerk Janaway takes a pragmatic view. The narrative delves into Anastasia's inner life, her sense of isolation in Cullerne, and her growing fascination with Lord Blandamer, whom she sees as a romantic figure. Miss Joliffe sacrifices her Dorcas meetings to guard the house, but Lord Blandamer does not appear for three weeks.
Chapter 18
XVIII
Lord Blandamer visits Bellevue Lodge and proposes to Anastasia Joliffe, who accepts. Miss Euphemia Joliffe announces the engagement to the pork-butcher's family, revealing that Anastasia will become Lady Blandamer. Lord Blandamer receives Anastasia's letter and responds with a composed reply, though he delays his visit.
Chapter 19
XIX
Anastasia Joliffe marries Lord Blandamer in a quiet ceremony. Upon her return to Cullerne, she holds receptions at Bellevue Lodge. The couple travels extensively and has a son. The town decides to ring the bells of Saint Sepulchre's to celebrate their return, despite Westray's warnings about the tower's instability. After the peal, Westray discovers a crack in the tower has worsened, foreshadowing potential disaster.
Chapter 20
XX
Westray's romantic feelings for Anastasia have faded, and he immerses himself in professional work, studying the heraldry of the south transept window and Martin Joliffe's papers. He learns more about Martin's obsession with proving his legitimacy and his mother Sophia Flannery's past. Miss Joliffe brings him the flower picture, and after a brief resistance, he agrees to keep it, recalling Sharnall's insistence. Late that night, Westray discovers a certificate in Sophia's handwriting and realizes the truth behind Anastasia's marriage, Sharnall's death, and Martin's death.
Chapter 21
Chapter XXI
Westray uncovers a hidden portrait beneath the flower painting, revealing the face of Lord Blandamer, and later returns to Cullerne. The chapter also delves into Lord Blandamer's past, his return to Fording, his marriage to Anastasia, and his reflections on the threats posed by Martin Joliffe, Sharnall, and now Westray.
Chapter 22
XXII
Westray dines with Lord Blandamer and feels a guilty conscience for conspiring to obscure truth. He resolves to resign his post at Cullerne Minster. The next day, Lord Blandamer shows Westray the portrait of his grandfather, and Westray reveals his decision to leave his appointment and his connection with Farquhar and Farquhar.
Chapter 23
XXIII
Lord Blandamer visits Mr. Martelet's office to finalize a codicil, then walks through Cullerne to find a silent, gathered crowd watching the Minster tower in peril. The tower is collapsing, and Westray is trapped in the belfry. Lord Blandamer rescues him with a crowbar, and moments later the tower falls.
Chapter 24
Epilogue
Lieutenant Ennefer, sailing past Cullerne, notes the tower's absence and later learns of its collapse. The tower is rebuilt at Lady Blandamer's expense, with a brass plate honoring Lord Blandamer's death in rescue efforts. Edward Westray is appointed co-trustee and guardian of the heir.
Chapter 25
Tunes Played by the Chimes of St. Sepulchre’s Church at Cullerne
This brief chapter lists the tunes played by the chimes of St. Sepulchre's Church at Cullerne at specific hours: New Sabbath at 3 o'clock, Bermondsey at 6 o'clock, Sheldon at 9 o'clock, and Mount Ephraim at 12 o'clock.
Chapter 26
Endnotes
This chapter contains only endnotes referencing an appendix and a tune at the end of the volume.
