The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
XL: Pursuit explained
Mildred Tarnley and Tom discuss the aftermath of the arrest and Charles Fairfield's pursuit of Squire Rodney, who has taken the mysterious woman into custody.
What happens
Mildred Tarnley and Tom discuss the aftermath of the arrest and Charles Fairfield's pursuit of Squire Rodney, who has taken the mysterious woman into custody. They debate the motives and potential violence of the confrontation, while expressing concern for Alice Maybell's safety and recovery.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
The mysterious woman's past and motives are shrouded in secrecy, with characters speculating about her identity and intentions.
Power and Patriarchy
Charles Fairfield's pursuit of Squire Rodney highlights the struggle for authority and control between male figures, while the woman's fate is decided by men.
Isolation and Entrapment
Alice Maybell is left in a state of uncertainty and confinement, awaiting Charles's return, while the mysterious woman is arrested and removed.
Characters to notice
- Mildred Tarnley
Prudently keeps her counsel and retreats to the kitchen, then engages in a tense conversation with Tom about the arrest and Charles's pursuit.
- Tom Tarnley
Returns sulky and hot, reporting that Charles is riding toward Wykeford to confront Squire Rodney, and expresses concern about the odds against Charles.
- Charles Fairfield
Rides across the common toward Wykeford to confront Squire Rodney, driven by hot blood and the Fairfield temper.
- Alice Maybell
Mentioned as the 'poor young lady' who was attacked and is now recovering, though still unsettled and awaiting Charles's return.
- Squire Rodney
Has taken the mysterious woman into custody and is heading to Wykeford, likely to face a confrontation with Charles.
- Mysterious Woman
Described as a 'blind beldame,' 'bedlam Bess,' and 'old limb,' she is arrested for attempted murder and is the subject of the dispute between Charles and Squire Rodney.
Key passages
“I’d a rid wi’ him myself if there was a beast to carry me, for three agin one is too long odds.”
Tom wishes he could ride with Charles to even the odds, as Squire Rodney has two other men with him.
Tom expresses loyalty and concern for Charles's safety in the impending confrontation.
“Killin’ and murder’s near akin, and when Mr. Charles cools a bit, he’ll thank Squire Rodney for riddin’ his house of that blind serpent.”
Mildred believes that once Charles calms down, he will appreciate Rodney's removal of the dangerous woman.
Mildred justifies the arrest as a necessary act to protect the household.
“Little thought I last night what was in her head, the sly villain, when I left her back again in her bed, and the cross door shut and locked.”
Mildred reflects on how she had no idea the woman was plotting harm when she left her locked in her room the previous night.
Mildred is shocked by the woman's deceit and violent intentions.