# II: Making an Enemy explained — The Paradise Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Paradise Mystery by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Dr. Ransford confronts his assistant Pemberton Bryce about his persistent and unwelcome attentions toward Mary Bewery. Despite Ransford's clear dismissal of Bryce's suit, Bryce refuses to back down, leading Ransford to terminate his employment by paying three months' salary. Bryce warns Ransford that he could be a dangerous enemy and hints at the town's gossip about Mary's mysterious origins, especially if she were to marry someone like Sackville Bonham.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gossip and Community Suspicion

Bryce reports the gossip of Wrychester's residents about Mary and Dick Bewery's origins and their relationship to Ransford, highlighting the community's curiosity and suspicion.

### Secrecy and Deception

The mystery surrounding Mary and Dick's background is a central point of contention, with Bryce hinting at secrets that Ransford is trying to protect.

### Identity and Self-Knowledge

Bryce's remarks about Mary's unknown antecedents and the town's desire to know 'who they really are' underscore the theme of uncertain identity.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Mark Ransford

Ransford dismisses his assistant Bryce after Bryce refuses to stop pursuing Mary Bewery. He pays three months' salary and leaves the surgery.

### Mary Bewery

Mary is the subject of Bryce's unwanted attentions and the town's gossip. She is seen walking in the garden with Sackville Bonham.

### Dick Bewery

Mentioned as the brother of Mary, also subject to the curiosity of Wrychester residents.

### Sackville Bonham

Seen walking and laughing with Mary Bewery in the garden; his mother is noted as one of the inquisitive ladies of the Close.

### Mr. Folliot

Mentioned as the stepfather of Sackville Bonham and a wealthy resident of the Close.

### Mrs. Folliot

Described as an inquisitive lady who would want to know Mary's background if her son were to marry her.

## Key lines

> I could be a very bad enemy.

Bryce warns Ransford that if crossed, he could become a dangerous adversary.

_Bryce's threat after being dismissed, foreshadowing future conflict._

> People will talk—even a doctor can’t refuse to hear what gossiping and garrulous patients say.

Bryce explains that gossip is unavoidable, even for a doctor, as patients talk freely.

_Bryce uses this to justify his knowledge of the town's rumors about Mary._

> I’m a listener. A good one, too.

Bryce describes himself as someone who pays close attention to what others say.

_Highlights Bryce's secretive and observant nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se/chapters/ii-making-an-enemy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se/chapters