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No Name - Week 6
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Some comments on a fairly good Section:1) In my comments in the previous thread, I made several observations and question that I’m sure had Hugh restraining himself from saying, “Be patient, Collins will address them.� Collins did address some of my comments fairly early in this section.
First, I have been begging for Norah’s reentry and/or the introduction of new characters to add some needed variety to the storylines. Right away, Collins introduces new characters of seaman Kirke, his sister, cleric husband and children. I’m not sure if this will be a positive addition or not but, for now, it at least opens up new avenues for the story progression, especially with the seafaring/China connection to the Frank storyline and his Canadian connection to Magdalen’s father and his checkered romantic history. I’m especially curious about what the Canadian connection may reveal.
Second, I criticized Magdalen’s lack of an overall plan to get the money from her Uncle or cousin and having to rely solely on, even in disguise, being The Great Convincer. In this section, we learn of Magdalen’s initial plan which, unfortunately had been dependent on Uncle Michael’s survival. His death made her alter her plan on the fly, so the lack of the revised plan’s effectiveness is more understandable.
Now to Magdalen’s initial master scheme that motivated her to go out on her own apart from Norah and Mrs. Garth. As it relied on a long-game plan of deception rather than trying to use reason it had a much more possible chance of success. I wasn’t that clear about whether her plan for Wragge’s “clever speculations� to destroy her uncle’s fortune also involved shifting the fortune into Magdalen and Norah’s pockets. Whether it did or not, the plan did seem to emphasize revenge rather than recompense, which I think is/was the more achievable goal.
2) Despite my fear of Wragge’s continued presence, I have to admit he is beginning to grow on me. Collins has effectively kept him from being overly evil and he seems more of an ambiguous character now. I enjoyed his scene with Mrs. Lecount and actually look forward to more face-offs between these two.
3) I think Collins has positioned the story well entering the second half of this slightly over-long novel. Besides effectively setting up some possible plot developments, Collins does continue to entertain me with his wordsmith skills. A recent example if from the last chapter in this section as Wragge was buttering up Mrs. Lecount through interest in her husband’s scientific work: “Never had Captain Wragge burned his unadulterated incense on the flimsy altar of human vanity to better purpose than he was burning it now.�
I've only read the Between the Scenes so far. Man, what a total clod Frank is! I wasn't quite sure what to think of him before because we didn't really get much conversation out of him, but his letter to Magdalen decided my opinion of him. He's one of those people who blames all of his life's misfortunes on other people instead of looking in the mirror. Ugh. I hope his ship gets lost at sea.
I’m happy with the introduction of new characters and I am curious what Kirke’s Canadian connection with Magdalen’s father will be. Also, if Frank will end up making a reappearance in the way of Kirke’s ship en route to China. Magdalen now has two men interested in her romantically, while on her end they are serving either a different purpose (Noel) or no purpose at all (Kirke). While Frank is still apparently in her heart. It will be interesting to see what comes of each of these three potential love interests.
And I agree with Brian that thankfully Wragge has not worn out his welcome on me. I smiled at the point when he agreed on Magdalen’s offer of helping her in exchange of 200 pounds, but for once it wasn’t about the money. It was because he was angry at Noel in estimating Wragge’s worth at a mere 5 pounds. Now he’s on board with the plan out of malice.
I’m wondering about Magdalen’s plan to marry Noel for the money and how her disguised name will come into play here.
This was a delicious section, and definitely the best so far. Of course, it should have been obvious to me that marriage was part of a plot to separate a man from his money! However, ew! It seems Magdalen really has put everything aside in order to achieve her goal. While Wragge's motives remain primarily pecuniary, and he does behave horrendously to his wife, there's something charming about him nonetheless, as Brian pointed out. Mrs. Wragge is definitely a huge risk, and you know that there's going to be some type of drama there. And surely Captain Kirke (ha, captain kirk!) will return, because it seems that everyone is captivated under Magdalen's spell. As for Mrs. Lecount, it doesn't seem that she is on to the ruse yet, but I suspect it is only a matter of time.
Dianne wrote: "This was a delicious section, and definitely the best so far..."Diane, I thought you may have dropped out as you hadn't posted since November 4th in Week 2, but then December comes and we get this from you:
Week 3 - Comment on December 1
Week 4 - Comment on December 2 (22+ hours ago)
Week 5 - Comment on December 2 (14+ hours ago)
Week 6 - Comment on December 3 (about 2 hours ago)
This activity is incredible. You seem to be engaging in a reading sprint to catch up. I for one appreciate it as it's nice to read your comments closer in time to the other comments.
However, you must be exhausted by now - remember that your eyes deserve a much needed rest at the end of today.
Wow, just Wow!
Ha thanks Brian! I should be caught up by the end of today. Apologies for the delay. I got a bit sidetracked with work travel and some other shorter books Ha! One of my New Year's resolutions is to keep up with this group on a timely basis!
Mod
Chapter summaries (as always beware spoilers):
(view spoiler)[
BETWEEN THE SCENES
An Advertisement offers £5 to “An Unknown Friend�
Wragge to Magdalen: The costumes have arrived. He asks after Noel, offers his further services and asks after his wife.
Norah to Magdalen: She has left her situation and is keen to visit Magdalen
Miss Garth to Magdalen: How Magdalen was indirectly responsible for Norah leaving her job. Warns her against the theatrical lifestyle
Frank (in China) to Magdalen: Has left his employer to join a trading ship, and offers to end the engagement
Francis Clare to Magdalen: My son is a scoundrel, an apology
Mrs Wragge to Wragge: Magdalen is depressed after receiving a letter, asks him to come and help
Doctor’s report on Magdalen: He was asked to see the young lady and was unable to help
Norah to Magdalen: Offers to visit and give support
Magdalen to Norah: She values her support, talks of her feelings for Frank and says Norah should not visit yet
Magdalen to Miss Garth: Her stage career is over. Michael Vanstone has died but Noel is just as bad.
Magdalen to Wragge: She will not return to the stage. Asks him to arrange lodgings near Noel’s new home, and observe Mrs Lecount
Wragge to Magdalen: The house at Aldborough is ready. Tells her their new identity is a family called Bygrave, and Magdalen is his orphaned niece.
Article in East Suffolk Argus announcing the arrival of the Bygrave family in Aldborough.
FOURTH SCENE
1. An introduction to Aldborough. Wragge goes to meet Magdalen and his wife from their coach. Magdalen shows a settled composure. Wragge attempts to persuade his wife she is now Mrs Bygrave. He goes out for a walk with Magdalen, they are observed with interest by a seaman and a clergyman, the seaman observes Magdalen with interest. They pass Noel’s garden, he sees them and says he has seen a fine girl. Further on they stop, and Magdalen tells Wragge she has lost heart. She insists on speaking her mind. She explains what she would have done had Michael Vanstone lived, and how she would have disposed of Mrs Lecount. She relates her visit to Noel and Mrs Lecount in the guise of Miss Garth, and now knows them better than he does. She tells him she plans to marry Noel. She promises to pay their expenses and give him another £200. Wragge considers her offer and contrasts it with Noel’s mean £5. He accepts, and says they should see Mrs Lecount the next day. They reach the sea, Magdalen hears a cry and goes down to investigate. She throws away the lock of Frank’s hair. Wragge passes Kirke, the seaman they saw earlier.
2. Kirke goes to his hotel and asks the landlord for a newspaper. He sees Noel’s name and says his father often spoke of his friend Vanstone, who was then a subaltern in Canada. He asks the landllady if Noel is old and if he has a young lady with him. She says he is young, and has a middle aged housekeeper. Kirke describes the people he saw and she tells him he is wrong, and he has seen the Bygraves. Kirke goes for a walk to see his sister Lizzie, the clergyman’s wife. She tells him what her husband said about the girl they met. He says he is a fool, and at 40 he is far too old for her. He tells her he is about to leave for the sea, and will leave the next day and return in a year. Three days later he sets sail.
3. Wragge goes to the beach early, armed with a science book, determined to learn enough to interest Mrs Lecount through her interest in her late husband. He returns to breakfast and finds Magdalen looking tired. Mrs Wragge tells him she is making a robe. He asks Magdalen about her visit to Noel’s house. He thinks Magdalen’s disguise may have been enough for Mrs Lecount not to recognise her as herself, but worries that her anger may betray her. He worries about his wife remembering the ghost, and proposes removing her, but Magdalen insists she should stay. He asks if she is ready to see Mrs Lecount, and they decide to meet Mrs Lecount when they are out walking. Magdalen thinks for a while and chooses a blue dress, and decides not to wear make-up. She comes down and sees Wragge looking like a smart gentleman. Wragge says his wife is happy to stay in and work on her dress. They go out, and see Mrs Lecount and Noel emerging for their walk. Wragge suggests that they should walk the other way, turn and meet Mrs Lecount and Noel coming back. They meet Kirke’s sister, who has come to see Miss Bygrave for herself. Magdalen asks Wragge to find out who she is.
4. Wragge and Magdalen see Mrs Lecount and Noel approaching. He warns her to smile. He tells her he will distract Mrs Lecount with science and proposes to use a code using his cane to signal what he is doing to her. They meet, and Wragge starts with a long introduction. Mrs Lecount asks Miss Bygrave if she arrived yesterday, betraying no suspicion. Magdalen speaks, and detects a change in Mrs Lecount’s expression. She asks if Noel will go inside and rest. He declines, saying Miss Bygrave has given him a new interest in walking. Wragge starts using his book learning to distract Mrs Lecount, and she asks him to explain. Meanwhile Noel talks to Magdalen/Miss Bygrave and compliments her. Mrs Lecount says Wragge has saddened her by reminding her of her husband. Having seen Wragge’s signal, Magdalen asks Noel about his house in Aldborough. Mrs Lecount proposes to show Wragge her relics. Noel invites them both to tea at 7. Mrs Lecount tells Noel he is tired and should rest, and he agrees to walk back. Mrs Lecount asks Magdalen if her aunt will come out, and she replies that Mrs Bygrave’s health is delicate. Wragge picks up the explanation at greater length, saying the see air will be good for her. Wragge asks how long they will stay in Aldborough. Noel says that is not his decision, saying that Mrs Lecount has a brother in Switzerland who is ill, and if he worsens she will have to go and help him. He says that if it were up to him he would like to stay. Wragge continues to distract Mrs Lecount until they reach the door. Noel asks Magdalen to wear her hat in the evening. Wragge is satisfied that the meeting went well, but Magdalen looks worried and locks herself into her room. Wragge hears her sobbing.
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