Unnatural Death · Chapter
XV: Temptation of St. Peter explained
Parker receives a call from Mrs.
What happens
Parker receives a call from Mrs. Forrest, who wants to contact 'Mr. Templeton' (Wimsey's alias). Parker gives her Wimsey's phone number. Mrs. Forrest then invites Wimsey to her flat that evening, asking him to come discreetly. During the visit, she shares a story from a 'friend' about seeing a man and woman near the flats, which may relate to Bertha Gotobed. She then awkwardly tries to seduce Wimsey, but he senses her desperation and revulsion. He kisses her to test her reaction, confirming his suspicion that she is not genuinely attracted. He leaves, disturbed by her fear and rage.
Themes in this chapter
Psychological Manipulation
Mrs. Forrest attempts to manipulate Wimsey through seduction and a fabricated story, while Wimsey manipulates her by playing along to uncover her motives.
The Role of Women
Mrs. Forrest's desperate and awkward seduction attempt reflects the limited agency and societal pressures on women, particularly those facing divorce.
The Ambiguity of Evidence
The story about the man and woman near the flats is presented as potential evidence, but its reliability and Mrs. Forrest's motives remain unclear.
Characters to notice
- Detective Inspector Parker
Receives Mrs. Forrest's call and coordinates with Wimsey.
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Visits Mrs. Forrest under the alias Mr. Templeton and tests her intentions.
- Mrs. Forrest
Contacts Parker, invites Wimsey over, shares a story, and attempts seduction.
- Bunter
Briefly mentioned as Wimsey's servant.
- Bertha Gotobed
Her costume is recalled by Wimsey in connection with Mrs. Forrest's story.
Key passages
“As Parker came out from the Chief Commissioner’s room, he was caught by an officer. “There’s been a lady on the phone to you,” he said. “I told her to ring up at 10:30. It’s about that now.” “What name?” “A Mrs. Forrest. She wouldn’t say what she wanted.””
Parker is informed that a woman named Mrs. Forrest called and will ring again at 10:30.
Sets up the chapter's central interaction.
““I think,” said Parker, “I ought not, perhaps, to give you Mr. Templeton’s address without consulting him. But you could phone him—””
Parker declines to give Mrs. Forrest Wimsey's address but offers his phone number instead.
Parker protects Wimsey's alias.
““Look here, Wimsey,” he said, “I’ve had a call from Mrs. Forrest. She wants to write to you. I wouldn’t give the address, but I’ve given her your number, so if she calls and asks for Mr. Templeton, you will remember who you are, won’t you?””
Parker warns Wimsey to maintain his alias when Mrs. Forrest calls.
Highlights the ongoing deception.
““It’s probably occurred to her that she might have told a better story, and she wants to work off a few additions and improvements on you.””
Wimsey suggests Mrs. Forrest may be embellishing her earlier story.
Shows Wimsey's skepticism.
““Would Mr. Templeton be so very good as not to tell anybody about his visit? Mr. Forrest and his sleuths were continually on the watch to get Mrs. Forrest into trouble, and the decree absolute was due to come up in a month’s time. Any trouble with the King’s Proctor would be positively disastrous.””
Mrs. Forrest asks Wimsey to keep his visit secret to avoid jeopardizing her divorce.
Provides a plausible cover for her secrecy.
““He noticed a car standing there—a small closed one, black or dark blue or some such colour. And while he was looking idly at it—the way one does, you know—he saw a man and woman come out of this block of flats—not this door, but one or two along to the left—and get in and drive off. The man was in evening dress and he thought it might have been your friend.””
Mrs. Forrest relays a story from a friend who saw a man and woman leaving a nearby flat, possibly connected to the case.
Introduces potential new evidence.
