The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
LV: How Fares the Child? explained
Alice Fairfield lies gravely ill at Carwell Grange, attended by Dr.
What happens
Alice Fairfield lies gravely ill at Carwell Grange, attended by Dr. Willett and Lady Wyndale, while the baby sent to Twyford for safety is reported dead. Harry Fairfield arrives with a troubling suspicion that the child at Twyford may not be the same one, and he insists Mildred Tarnley accompany him to investigate. The chapter explores grief, suspicion, and the looming sense of a curse over the Fairfield family.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Aging
Alice's near-death illness, the baby's reported death, and the pervasive atmosphere of death at the Grange highlight the fragility of life.
Secrecy and Deception
Harry's suspicion that the child at Twyford is not the same one introduces a secret that could have profound consequences.
Family and Dysfunction
The Fairfield family is marked by death, suspicion, and a potential crisis of inheritance, reflecting deep dysfunction.
Characters to notice
- Alice Maybell
Lying ill at Carwell Grange, near death, attended by Dr. Willett and Lady Wyndale; her recovery is slow and uncertain.
- Harry Fairfield
Visits the Grange, expresses suspicion about the child at Twyford, and insists Mildred Tarnley accompany him to investigate; he vows to work for the boy's claim to Wyvern.
- Mildred Tarnley
Nervous and foreboding, she fears Alice's death and is shocked by Harry's suspicion about the child; agrees to go to Twyford with him.
- Lady Wyndale
Kindly attends Alice daily, following the doctor's directions; later takes Alice to Oulton to recover.
- Doctor Willett
Attends Alice, perplexed by her illness; argues with Mildred about the child's health and seems despondent.
- Lilly Dogger
Grieves the child's death, afraid to show emotion before Mrs. Tarnley; runs out crying under the trees.
Key passages
“but you mustn’t tell poor Mrs. Fairfield. It may cost her her life, if she begins to fret about it, and just tell her it’s quite well, for it’s true, you know—it’s nearer heaven, and best of all when it gets there.”
Do not inform Mrs. Fairfield of the child's death, as the shock could kill her; instead, tell her the child is well because it is in heaven.
The decision to conceal the child's death from Alice to protect her health.
“I say I misdoubt it’s not the same child, and ye must come over and look at it.”
I suspect the child at Twyford is not the one we left there; you need to come and see for yourself.
Harry expresses his suspicion that the baby has been swapped.
“Poor little thing! said Harry. I blame myself; but what could I do? If aught’s gone wrong wi’ the child, poor lady! ’tis well she were gone too.”
Harry laments the situation, feeling guilty but helpless, and suggests that if the child has been harmed, it might be merciful for Alice to die as well.
Harry's conflicted feelings of guilt and resignation regarding the child's fate.