# II explained — The Splendid Fairing

> Chapter companion for The Splendid Fairing by Constance Holme.

## What happens

On the road to Witham, Simon and Sarah encounter May Fleming, whose presence briefly lifts their spirits. The chapter explores their deep-seated bitterness toward a rival, the oppressive fog that mirrors Sarah's failing eyesight, and a haunting gull cry that evokes past sorrows.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Memory

The gull's cry triggers a haunting memory for Sarah, and the couple's ongoing bitterness toward a rival dominates their thoughts.

### Aging and Regret

Sarah's blindness and the couple's reflections on their past sorrows highlight the weight of aging and unfulfilled hopes.

### Community and Gossip

Simon fears that his foolish behavior will become a topic of gossip in Witham, reflecting the tight-knit community's scrutiny.

## Character check-ins

### Sarah Thornthwaite

Struggles with her failing eyesight and is deeply affected by the gull's cry, which reminds her of a past loss.

### Simon Thornthwaite

Feels ashamed of his earlier outburst and worries about encountering their rival; reflects on the pervasive bitterness in their lives.

### May Fleming

Passes them on the road with a cheerful greeting; she is a source of comfort and strength for Simon and Sarah.

## Key lines

> She was Fleming’s motherless daughter from the “Ship” Inn across the sands, and Simon and Sarah had known her all her life.

May Fleming, who grew up without a mother at the Ship Inn, had been a lifelong acquaintance of Simon and Sarah.

_Introduces May Fleming and her connection to the couple._

> There was a serene yet pulsing strength about her that had the soothing stimulus of a summer tide.

May possessed a calm but vibrant energy that comforted them like a gentle summer tide.

_Describes May's positive influence on Simon and Sarah._

> Blind weather for blind folk!

The foggy weather is fitting for someone losing their sight.

_Sarah's grim joke about her blindness and the mist._

> It was nobbut a gull.

It was only a seagull.

_Simon tries to reassure Sarah after the gull's cry startles her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_splendid_fairing_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_splendid_fairing_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_splendid_fairing_se/chapters