# At Last explained — The Red Thumbmark

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

## What happens

After Reuben Hornby's acquittal, the group gathers outside the court. Thorndyke invites everyone to a quiet luncheon, and Jervis is asked to escort Juliet. During their walk, Jervis confesses his love for Juliet, revealing his mistaken belief that she was engaged to Reuben. Juliet admits she guessed his feelings, and they share a tender moment by the fountain in Fountain Court, finally acknowledging their mutual love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Self-Sacrifice

Jervis confesses his love for Juliet, having suffered in silence out of a mistaken sense of duty to Reuben.

### Deception and Betrayal

The chapter reveals the secret engagement of Reuben to another woman, which Jervis had misinterpreted.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Christopher Jervis

Confesses his love for Juliet and his past misery over thinking she was engaged to Reuben.

### Juliet Gibson

Reveals that Reuben is engaged to another woman and admits she guessed Jervis's feelings.

### Reuben Hornby

Acquitted and celebrating with family and friends; asks Jervis to escort Juliet.

### Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke

Invites the group to a quiet luncheon at his chambers after the trial.

### Mrs. Hornby

Present at the acquittal, holding Reuben's hand.

### Mr. Anstey

Disrobed and in his usual whimsical character; agrees to join the luncheon.

## Key lines

> I have only played jackal, and even that I have done very badly.

Jervis downplays his role in the case, claiming he merely assisted Thorndyke and did so poorly.

_Jervis expresses self-deprecation about his contributions to Reuben's defense._

> I shall always feel that we owe you a debt of the deepest gratitude, and so will Reuben, and so, perhaps, more than either of us, will someone else.

Juliet tells Jervis that she, Reuben, and Reuben's fiancée are deeply grateful for his efforts.

_Juliet hints at Reuben's secret engagement, which Jervis misunderstands._

> How can a man who is thinking of a woman morning, noon and night... how can he help letting her see, sooner or later, that he cares for her?

Jervis argues that it is impossible to hide his love for Juliet, even when he believed it was wrong.

_Jervis explains his internal conflict between duty and his feelings for Juliet._

> I can forgive you anything when you say that.

Juliet tells Jervis she can forgive his foolishness because he loves her.

_Juliet accepts Jervis's confession and reciprocates his love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xvii-at-last
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters