The Old Man in the Corner · Chapter
The de Genneville Peerage explained
The Old Man in the Corner recounts the bizarre murder of the Hon.
What happens
The Old Man in the Corner recounts the bizarre murder of the Hon. Robert Ingram de Genneville, a younger son who, on the advice of the disgraced solicitor Timothy Beddingfield, had claimed a joint title and revenues from the ancient barony of Genneville based on a 400-year-old document. The claim was set to be bolstered by his marriage to Miss Mabel Brandon, but on the morning before the wedding he was found brutally murdered in his hotel room. The chapter explores the legal complexities of peerage cases, the motives of the claimant, and the shocking violence of the crime.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Motive
The Hon. Robert's claim to the title and revenues was driven by debt and extravagant tastes, and the murder may have been motivated by financial gain.
Deception and Forgery
The validity of the 400-year-old document is central to the claim, and the solicitor Beddingfield is associated with 'irregularities.'
Justice and Impunity
The brutal murder remains unsolved at the chapter's end, and the legal system's handling of the peerage case is questioned.
Characters to notice
- The Old Man in the Corner
Narrates the de Genneville peerage case and the murder, reflecting on the role of lawyers and the peculiarities of peerage litigation.
- Polly Burton
Listens to the Old Man's account and offers a comment on the technical knowledge required for peerage cases.
- Timothy Beddingfield
The Birmingham solicitor who advised the Hon. Robert to claim the title; described as having had 'misfortunes' and being still on the rolls despite irregularities.
- Robert Ingram de Genneville
The younger twin and claimant to the barony; murdered in his hotel room the night before his wedding.
- Earl of Brockelsby
The elder twin and current titleholder; next-of-kin to the deceased, offers a reward for the murderer.
Key passages
“I suppose there is some truth in the saying that Providence watches over bankrupts, kittens, and lawyers.”
The Old Man suggests that lawyers, like bankrupts and kittens, seem to be protected by fate.
Opening remark that sets a cynical tone about the legal profession.
“It certainly was an evil day for this brilliant young scion of the ancient race when he lent an ear to Timothy Beddingfield.”
The Hon. Robert made a terrible mistake by following Beddingfield's advice.
Highlights the solicitor's influence and the tragic outcome.
“The head and body were battered and bruised by some heavy stick or poker, almost past human shape, as if the murderer had wished to wreak some awful vengeance upon the body of his victim.”
The victim was beaten so severely that his body was barely recognizable, suggesting the killer acted with extreme rage.
Describes the gruesome nature of the murder.