# Alice Maybell explained — The Wyvern Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Wyvern Mystery by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/i-alice-maybell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters