# Chapter XV explained — The Nebuly Coat

> Chapter companion for The Nebuly Coat by John Meade Falkner.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Westray's internal conflict over marrying beneath his social station and his protective love for Anastasia, contrasted with Lord Blandamer's ambiguous intentions.

### Social Class and Ambition

Westray's concern about the social disparity between himself and Anastasia, and his fear of public criticism for marrying a landlady's niece.

### Secrecy and Identity

Lord Blandamer's hidden motives and Westray's suspicions about his true purpose at Bellevue Lodge.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Westray

Struggles with jealousy and suspicion regarding Lord Blandamer's intentions toward Anastasia; resolves to propose and protect her, planning a journey to London.

### Miss Anastasia Joliffe

Object of Westray's affection and concern; her indifference to news of Lord Blandamer's visit is noted.

### Lord Blandamer

Suspected by Westray of using the restoration as a pretext to court Anastasia; visits Bellevue Lodge without business pretext.

### Miss Euphemia Joliffe

Anxious about Westray's cryptic talk of a holiday; concerned about losing a lodger and friend.

### Mr. Sharnall

Mentioned as having hinted to Westray about something going on before his death.

## Key lines

> Can man's deepest love be deepened? Then it must surely be by the knowledge that he is protector as well as lover, by the knowledge that he is rescuing innocence, and rescuing it for⁠—himself.

True love grows when a man sees himself as both protector and rescuer of the beloved, ultimately for his own sake.

_Reflects Westray's rationalization of his love as a chivalrous duty._

> There is some subtle effluence of love which hovers about one who entertains a strong affection for another. Looks may be carefully guarded, speech may be framed to mislead, yet that pervading ambient of affection is strong to betray where perception is sharpened by jealousy.

Love emits an invisible aura that reveals itself even when words and actions are controlled, especially to a jealous observer.

_Describes Westray's jealous perception of Lord Blandamer's feelings for Anastasia._

> An object which had seemed at best but mildly desirable, became of singular value when he believed that another was trying to possess himself of it; jealousy had quickened love.

Something that once seemed only moderately appealing becomes intensely precious when someone else wants it; jealousy intensified Westray's love.

_Highlights the effect of rivalry on Westray's emotions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nebuly_coat_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nebuly_coat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nebuly_coat_se/chapters