# XII: It Might Have Been explained — The Red Thumbmark

> Chapter companion for The Red Thumbmark by R. Austin Freeman.

## What happens

Jervis struggles with his growing feelings for Juliet Gibson while maintaining his professional duty to Reuben Hornby. After a visit from Mr. Anstey, who expresses confidence in Reuben's acquittal, Jervis comforts Juliet and they share an emotional moment. However, Jervis's conscience rebukes him, leading him to distance himself from Juliet, creating a painful rift between them as they visit Reuben in prison.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Self-Sacrifice

Jervis suppresses his love for Juliet out of loyalty to Reuben, demonstrating personal sacrifice for duty.

### Class and Professional Duty

Jervis's internal conflict between his personal feelings and his professional obligations as Reuben's trusted agent.

### Deception and Betrayal

Jervis fears betraying Reuben's trust by pursuing Juliet, and the chapter explores the theme of hidden emotions.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Christopher Jervis

Struggles with his love for Juliet and his duty to Reuben; becomes distant and formal with her.

### Juliet Gibson

Emotionally unstrung by Reuben's situation; shares a tender moment with Jervis but is hurt by his subsequent coldness.

### Mr. Anstey

Visits Jervis, expresses confidence in Reuben's acquittal, and praises Thorndyke's tactics.

### Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke

Mentioned as working secretly in the laboratory and keeping his plans close.

### Reuben Hornby

Awaiting trial; Jervis and Juliet visit him in prison.

### Polton

Mentioned as irritated by Thorndyke's locked laboratory.

### Walter Hornby

Mentioned as the recipient of the Trichinopoly cheroots.

## Key lines

> Your legal adviser, Miss Gibson, has been reflecting that he has acted considerably beyond his jurisdiction.

Jervis tells Juliet that he overstepped his professional bounds by sharing confidential information with her.

_Jervis attempts to create distance by emphasizing his role as a legal advisor._

> I must put an end to this at once, or I am lost.

Jervis resolves to stop his romantic feelings for Juliet to avoid betraying Reuben.

_Highlights Jervis's internal struggle between love and duty._

> He said, in brief, that he was quite confident of obtaining an acquittal, and that the prosecution would receive a great surprise.

Jervis relays Anstey's optimistic prediction about Reuben's trial to Juliet.

_Provides hope to Juliet and underscores the legal strategy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xii-it-might-have-been
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters