Mainly About Golf explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Class and Social Mobility

  Lord Caterham's golfing commentary contrasts the leisurely pursuits of the aristocracy with the more utilitarian approach of Sir Oswald Coote, highlighting class distinctions.

• Secret Societies and Intrigue

  Jimmy's plan to use skeleton keys and his suspicion of Terence O'Rourke's involvement with a secret society drive the chapter's undercurrent of espionage.

Characters to notice

• Bundle Brent

  Engages in golf banter with her father and receives a strategic phone call from Jimmy.

• Lord Caterham

  Obsessed with golf, discusses the game and praises Loraine's interest.

• Loraine Wade

  Has been staying at Chimneys and is praised by Lord Caterham for her golfing interest.

• Jimmy Thesiger

  Calls Bundle to discuss his plan to visit the Cootes with skeleton keys and arranges a distraction.

• Terence O'Rourke

  Mentioned as a weekend guest at the Cootes, suspected by Jimmy of being involved in the secret society.

Key passages

• “That friend of yours is a nice girl, Bundle. I really think I am inducing her to take quite an interest in the game. She hit some excellent shots this morning—really quite as good as I could do myself.”

  Lord Caterham compliments Loraine's golfing ability, claiming she is nearly as good as he is.

  Highlights Lord Caterham's self-deprecating humor and his enthusiasm for golf.

• “I had a sort of idea they'd come in handy. You don't know the sort of shop one gets them at?”

  Jimmy asks Bundle if she knows where to buy skeleton keys for his weekend at the Cootes.

  Reveals Jimmy's plan to secretly investigate the Cootes' household.

• “Do you think you and Loraine might have a convenient car breakdown near Letherbury tomorrow morning?”

  Jimmy suggests Bundle and Loraine stage a car breakdown near the Cootes' home to create a distraction.

  Shows Jimmy's strategic thinking and reliance on Bundle's help.