The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
Alice Maybell explained
Alice Maybell bids farewell to her aunt, Lady Wyndale, at Oulton before returning to Wyvern.
What happens
Alice Maybell bids farewell to her aunt, Lady Wyndale, at Oulton before returning to Wyvern. Their conversation touches on Lord Tremaine's interest in Alice, the Fairfield family, and Alice's unspoken troubles. Despite her aunt's reassurances, Alice hints at unhappiness at Wyvern, leaving Lady Wyndale concerned.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Lady Wyndale discusses Lord Tremaine's interest in Alice and the unpredictability of marriages, contrasting planned matches with actual outcomes.
Secrecy and Deception
Alice hints at hidden troubles and 'long stories' she cannot share, leaving her aunt puzzled and concerned.
Family and Dysfunction
Alice's fear of Old Squire Fairfield's anger and her reluctance to return to Wyvern suggest underlying familial tension.
Characters to notice
- Alice Maybell
The protagonist, a pretty young woman, leaves her aunt's house to return to Wyvern, hinting at hidden unhappiness.
- Lady Wyndale
Alice's kind aunt, who tries to draw out Alice's troubles and worries about her after she leaves.
- Old Squire Fairfield
Mentioned as the Squire of Wyvern, whose anger Alice fears if she is late.
- Charles Fairfield
Referred to as Captain Fairfield, currently in London.
- Lord Tremaine
Mentioned as a suitor who was charmed by Alice in Wyvern Church.
- Dulcibella Crane
Alice's trusty old servant who accompanies her in the chaise.
Key passages
“If I'm not home before the sun goes down, aunt, Mr. Fairfield will be so angry”
Alice worries that Old Squire Fairfield will be upset if she returns to Wyvern after sunset.
Highlights Alice's fear of the Squire's displeasure.
“Did I? Well, I shouldn't have said that, for—I'm not happy”
Alice admits to her aunt that she is not actually happy at Wyvern, contradicting her earlier claim.
Reveals Alice's concealed unhappiness.