# Chapter VI explained — The Splendid Fairing

> Chapter companion for The Splendid Fairing by Constance Holme.

## What happens

Simon Thornthwaite meets with the agent Mr. Dent to discuss giving up Sandholes Farm. During the conversation, Simon recounts the long-standing feud between his wife Sarah and her sister-in-law Eliza, including their competitive double wedding, and reflects on his son Geordie and nephew Jim who ran off to Canada. Despite the agent's attempts to persuade him to stay, Simon remains resolute in his decision to leave.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Rivalry and Envy

Simon recounts the bitter lifelong feud between Sarah and Eliza, exemplified by their competitive double wedding and ongoing animosity.

### Land and Livelihood

Simon's decision to give up Sandholes Farm highlights the struggle of maintaining a failing farm and the loss of a way of life.

## Character check-ins

### Simon Thornthwaite

Simon meets with Mr. Dent to discuss quitting Sandholes Farm, recounting the family feud and his son's departure.

### Sarah Thornthwaite

Simon remembers Sarah's failing eyesight and her animosity toward Eliza, but fails to mention her condition to Mr. Dent.

### Eliza of Blindbeck

Eliza is described as the source of the long-standing feud, having arranged a competitive double wedding and constantly vying with Sarah.

### Geordie Thornthwaite

Geordie is Simon and Sarah's son who ran off to Canada with his cousin Jim and has not returned.

### Jim Thornthwaite

Jim is Will and Eliza's son who went to Canada with Geordie and was always attached to Sarah.

## Key lines

> Farm’s going back, as you say, and I’m over old to pull it round. I can’t keep going forever, nay, nor my missis, neither.

The farm is declining, and I'm too old to revive it. Neither my wife nor I can keep this up indefinitely.

_Simon explains to Mr. Dent why he must leave Sandholes Farm._

> They’ll happen make friends when the rabbit makes friends wi’ the ferret, and the blackbird wi’ the cat!

They'll become friends only when natural enemies do, which is impossible.

_Simon dismisses the idea of Sarah and Eliza ever reconciling._

## Links

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