# L: Bertha Velderkaust explained — The Wyvern Mystery

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

## What happens

Harry Fairfield visits Bertha Velderkaust in prison at Hatherton, where she insists on being called Madame Bertha Fairfield of Wyvern. He tries to dissuade her from claiming a marriage to his brother Charles, revealing that Charles had a legitimate son and heir. Bertha is defiant and bitter, but Harry offers to support her if she abandons her claim.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

Bertha Velderkaust falsely claims to have been married to Charles Fairfield, and Harry confronts her with the truth.

### Inheritance and Legacy

The central conflict revolves around the inheritance of Wyvern and the legitimate heir, Charles's newborn son.

### Power and Patriarchy

Harry Fairfield attempts to control Bertha's claims and actions, asserting male authority over the inheritance and family name.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Fairfield

Visits Bertha in prison, attempts to negotiate with her regarding her false marriage claim, and reveals the existence of Charles's legitimate son.

### Bertha Velderkaust

Imprisoned at Hatherton, insists on being called Madame Bertha Fairfield of Wyvern, wears extravagant finery, and is bitter about her situation.

### Charles Fairfield

Recently deceased; his marriage and the birth of his son are discussed by Harry and Bertha.

### Alice Maybell

Mentioned disparagingly by Harry as 'that chit down at Carwell Grange' in contrast to Bertha.

### Mildred Tarnley

Quoted by Bertha as having said the proverb 'ifs and ans were pots and pans'; Bertha calls her a 'd—d old witch'.

## Key lines

> I’ll hide my name no longer,” she said, “I’m Mrs. Fairfield of Wyvern.”

Bertha declares her assumed identity as the rightful Mrs. Fairfield of Wyvern.

_Bertha asserts her false claim to the Fairfield name and estate._

> I know there was no marriage—I know it, and it won’t do tryin’ it on me, you’ll just get yourself into the wrong box; where’s the use of runnin’ your head into a cotton bag?”

Harry insists he knows the marriage never happened and warns Bertha that her scheme will backfire.

_Harry directly challenges Bertha's fraudulent claim._

> There’s a child born o’ that marriage.” “Marriage!” and with an oath the big Dutchwoman burst into a discordant laugh.

Harry reveals the existence of Charles's legitimate son, and Bertha reacts with scornful laughter.

_The revelation of the heir provokes Bertha's bitter response._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters/l-bertha-velderkaust
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wyvern_mystery_se/chapters