The Nebuly Coat · Chapter
XX explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Madness
Martin Joliffe's lifelong obsession with proving his legitimacy and claiming Fording is portrayed as a delusion that consumed his life.
Secrecy and Identity
The mystery of Martin's parentage and the hidden truth behind the flower picture drive the plot, with Westray uncovering a secret that links multiple deaths.
The Past and Memory
Westray's study of Martin's papers and the heraldic window connects the present to the tangled history of the Blandamer and Joliffe families.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Westray
His infatuation with Anastasia has passed; he focuses on his work and studies Martin's papers, eventually uncovering a dark secret.
- Miss Anastasia Joliffe
Mentioned as the object of Westray's former affection; she is now married to Lord Blandamer and living at Fording.
- Miss Euphemia Joliffe
Visits Westray to offer him the flower picture; she remains at Bellevue Lodge, supported by Anastasia's allowance.
- Martin Joliffe
His papers reveal his lifelong quest to discover his father's name and his belief that he was the rightful owner of Fording.
- Mr. Sharnall
Recalled as having insisted Westray keep the picture; his death is now linked to the secret Westray uncovers.
- Lord Blandamer
Mentioned as Anastasia's husband and a rival for her affections; he paid Martin's bills and offered to house Miss Joliffe.
Key passages
“That inclination or predilection of Westray’s for Anastasia, which he had been able to persuade himself was love, had passed away.”
Westray's romantic feelings for Anastasia, which he had convinced himself were love, had faded completely.
Westray's emotional recovery from his failed proposal.
“It was evident that the old fancy that he was the rightful owner of Fording, which had been suggested to him in his Oxford days, had taken such hold of his mind that no subsequent experience had been able to dislodge it.”
Martin's belief that he was the rightful owner of Fording, first planted in his Oxford days, had become an unshakable obsession.
Martin's obsession with being the true heir to Fording had become an unshakable delusion.
“He knew it all now, he said to himself—he knew the secret of Anastasia’s marriage, and of Sharnall’s death, and of Martin’s death.”
Westray understood at last the secret behind Anastasia's marriage, Sharnall's death, and Martin's death.
Westray realizes the hidden truth connecting the key events of the story.