Unnatural Death · Chapter
Crossroads explained
Wimsey and Parker discuss the possibility of a missing heir as a motive for murder, and Wimsey receives a letter from Miss Climpson about Mary Whittaker's suspicious behavior.
What happens
Wimsey and Parker discuss the possibility of a missing heir as a motive for murder, and Wimsey receives a letter from Miss Climpson about Mary Whittaker's suspicious behavior. They decide to travel to Crofton to investigate a mysterious solicitor who visited Agatha Dawson two years prior. Along the way, they get lost due to repainted signposts and encounter a stranded motorcyclist.
Themes in this chapter
Inheritance and Motive
The missing heir theory is central to the chapter, as Wimsey and Parker explore the possibility that Mary Whittaker killed Agatha Dawson to prevent a new heir from inheriting.
Psychological Manipulation
Mary Whittaker's attempt to trick Agatha Dawson into signing a will by mixing it with income-tax papers demonstrates manipulation and deceit.
The Ambiguity of Evidence
The chapter highlights the difficulty of interpreting evidence, such as Mrs. Cropper's sighting and the missing heir theory, which could be mistaken or misleading.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Discusses the missing heir theory with Parker, reads Miss Climpson's letter, and decides to drive to Crofton to investigate.
- Detective Inspector Parker
Engages in conversation with Wimsey about the case, expresses skepticism about the murder theory, and accompanies Wimsey to Crofton.
- Miss Alexandra Climpson
Sends a letter to Wimsey reporting that Mary Whittaker was seen changing hats in a cloakroom, indicating she has something to conceal.
- Mary Whittaker
Suspected of trying to stop Mrs. Cropper from talking, and of attempting to get Agatha Dawson to sign a will without her knowledge.
- Bunter
Assists by climbing signposts to read them with a torch during the journey to Crofton.
- Mrs. Cropper
Reported seeing Mary Whittaker changing hats in a cloakroom, providing evidence of suspicious behavior.
Key passages
“The old, old story, beloved of novelists—the missing heir!”
The classic plot device of a previously unknown relative appearing to claim an inheritance.
Wimsey and Parker realize that a missing heir could explain Mary Whittaker's motive for murder.
“Miss Whittaker was trying to get the old lady to sign a will without knowing it. She gave it to her all mixed up with the income-tax papers, hoping she'd put her name to it without reading it.”
Mary Whittaker attempted to trick Agatha Dawson into signing a will by hiding it among other documents.
This reveals Mary's manipulative behavior and her desire to secure the inheritance.
“We know now that this Miss Whittaker has something to conceal, since she takes such precautions to avoid being followed.”
Mary Whittaker's efforts to avoid surveillance indicate she is hiding something.
Wimsey concludes that Mary's suspicious actions point to her guilt.