# III explained — The Splendid Fairing

> Chapter companion for The Splendid Fairing by Constance Holme.

## What happens

Simon and Sarah Thornthwaite arrive in Witham on market day, but Sarah's failing health and anxiety about visiting the doctor cause tension. After a confrontation over a parked car, Sarah refuses to enter the inn upon hearing that Mrs. Will is inside. They flee into the street, where they meet Will Thornthwaite. Simon asks May Fleming to accompany Sarah to the doctor, and the brothers head to the market square.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Rivalry and Envy

Sarah and Simon's immediate recoil upon hearing that Mrs. Will is inside the inn highlights underlying family tensions and avoidance.

### Aging and Regret

Sarah's reluctance to see the doctor and her physical frailty reflect the challenges of aging and the fear of bad news.

### Community and Gossip

The bustling market-day atmosphere, with groups chatting and the landlady's chatter, underscores the close-knit, gossipy nature of the community.

## Character check-ins

### Sarah Thornthwaite

Feels faint and shaky, avoids entering the inn upon hearing Mrs. Will is inside, and reluctantly agrees to see the doctor with May's help.

### Simon Thornthwaite

Anxious about Sarah's health, argues with a car driver over a parking spot, and seeks out May to accompany Sarah to the doctor.

### May Fleming

Spotted by Simon coming out of a shop; agrees to accompany Sarah to the doctor after hearing about her condition.

### Will Thornthwaite

Meets Simon and Sarah in the street, invites them to Blindbeck, and expresses concern about Sarah's eyes.

### Mrs. Bond

The landlady of the inn who tries to welcome Sarah but is rebuffed when Sarah flees upon hearing Mrs. Will's name.

## Key lines

> You’d best set down for a bit. You’re fretting yourself about seeing doctor, that’s what it is.

Simon suggests Sarah sit down, attributing her faintness to anxiety about the doctor's appointment.

_Simon's concern for Sarah's health is evident, but he misinterprets her distress as solely due to the doctor._

> Nay, I don’t know as I won’t go right on, thank ye, Mrs. Bond. I’m feeling a deal better already—I am that.

Sarah declines Mrs. Bond's invitation to rest, claiming she feels much better and needs to attend to her shopping.

_Sarah's polite refusal masks her true discomfort and desire to avoid Mrs. Will._

> I could do wi’ a word wi’ you, Will, if you’re not throng. It’s about time we were thinking o’ making a change. Sarah’s bothered wi’ her eyes.

Simon tells Will he wants to discuss a change in their farming situation, mentioning Sarah's eye trouble.

_Simon hints at the decision to give up Sandholes farm, linking it to Sarah's declining health._

## Links

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