The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion
This topic is about
Wyllard's Weird
Mary E. Braddon Collection
>
156. Wyllard's Weird - Vol 1, Ch 6 (A Clerical Warning) to the end of Volume 1
date
newest »
newest »
I think this is an unfair suspicion. Here I agree with Hilda Heathcote that he is unfairly judged. Bothwell do have a secret, but I don't think it is connected with the French girl's murder.I believe Bothwell is in some entanglement with a lady. But his love for Hilda is true. They have pledged themselves for each other but further development of their relationship depends on Bothwell being able to sever former ties.
Heathcote will not be pleased with any attachment between Bothwell and his sister, Hilda as will be seen. He is one of the first to suspect Bothwell guilty of the crime. But given his feelings for Dora Wyllard and the firm unwavering attachment of Hilda for Bothwell, Heathcote will have to yield and alter his opinion.
I'm becoming fond of the characters Bothwell, Hilda and Heathcote. Wyllard is behaving in a manner very dferent to what was described of him earlier. The kind, devoted, loving husband is almost turning cruel and insulting. All this shows some anxiety and agitation within him. I strongly suspect him having some connection in the crime, even if he is not the murderer.
Frances wrote: "Significant progress is made in learning the history of our victim, and about a crime which she witnessed many years earlier. How might this tie into our current mystery?..."I feel the French girl's murder is a direct consequence of her being a witness to a previous murder. She was the only eyewitness who could recognize the murderer. Whether it was premeditated or accidental, cannot be determined at this stage. But it is certain that the person who committed the first murder is the same person who killed the French girl.
Mod
In this section, we find out about Bothwell's secret. He reminds me a bit of the Trollope heroes who are unable to resist beautiful women who ensnare them, even though they really want to love a simpler person.
The murder witnessed by the French girl (Leonie) fits well within the "sensational" mode with a dark wood and lots of blood. But why would she be targeted at this time? Is this the first time she was accessible, having left the convent where she was protected? A good lawyer could probably dismiss any story from a young woman who had been a child at the time and who was subsequently disturbed. If the killer really was the former lover, he had money and power and would probably be believed over an unknown young woman. Maybe she suppressed the memory at the time and later regained it, which made her dangerous again?
I agree that Leonie’s murder is certainly becoming more complex. It certainly seems quite possible that her aunt’s murder is connected. I am finding the story so far a mix of sensationalist- in the persona of Valeria, in the relationship between Georges and Marie and in Marie’s murder- and the rational in the pursuit of evidence in uncovering the truth of the murder(s).
Heathcote is by far a better person than Julian, even though he is not in favor of Hilda marrying Bothwell. Hopefully that will change as Bothwell’s innocence in Leonie’s murder seems quite apparent. Sad that he still carries a torch for Dora. Why did she jilt him in favor of Julian? Bad choice. I agree that Julian’s character has seemed to change to a more nasty and unfeeling person. Agitated by a guilty conscience?
I do like Robin’s comparison of Bothwell to male Trollope characters. Behaving in ways which have major negative impacts on their lives because of sexual attraction to a woman. Thankfully, he seems to have come to his senses because of his love for Hilda.
Mod
Mod
Good point Robin. I was particularly struck in this section because there was clearly no social pressure on him to honour this "engagement" and he should have been able to walk away and never return. In fact, given how guilty he feels about betraying his friend the General, I would have thought that he would have felt more pressure to leave than to keep coming around. That he would consider himself unable to court Hilda , and to go so far as to tell Hilda that he was not available as a lover to her when he found out that a married woman still considered he was "engaged" to her was bizarre.
Mod
It is a bit bizarre. I can’t help but wonder if she’d be able to sue him for breach of promise. I believe it was quite common then, but not sure if it applies since she’s married.
Mod
As for the General's wife, I can see her causing mischief for Boswell.
I really feel that Wyllard is responsible for Leonie's death. I also get a sense that Dora's life may be in danger somehow.
I like the French detective and his little roof garden. I am sure he will be useful in the investigation.
I agree with Rosemarie that General's wife will cause mischief for Bothwell. She seems a revengeful woman who will not easily forget any belittlement done to her. We are sure to meet her again.
I too liked the French detective. His roof top garden and his interest in flowers reminded me of another fictitious detective I met. He is sergeant Cuff from The Moonstone .
Mod
Mod
Another more modern detective who loved flowers - Nero wolf
The murder seems to be acting as a catalyst for various characters: Heathcote realises that, contrary to what we were told earlier, he still loves Dora "as dearly as ever he had loved her in his passionate youth." And Bothwell suddenly confesses his love for Heathcote's sister.But it's also the catalyst for Julian's anger and his unwarranted contempt for his wife. Given the year of the original murder of Marie, and the similarities between the description of the murderer and Julian (same age, same athletic build and blue eyes) I think Julian has be be squarely in the frame now, and surely the author must have intended this to be so.
Meanwhile Bothwell is portrayed as pretty much guiltless in his involvement with Valeria, although I would say he's at least as culpable as she is in entering into a promise to marry. He doesn't decide to break the tie until he's fallen in love with Hilda. But his behaviour is depicted as no more than weakness caused by an unsuitable infatuation. And his essential goodness seems to be signalled by the information that he's a steadfast and sincere church-goer.
Robin makes a good point about the timing of Leonie’s murder. Why was she in England? Did Wyllard lure her there to kill her even though he should have considered himself safe if he lay low? Or was it a coincidence that he discovered her on the train and took an opportunity? Was Leonie looking for her aunt’s murderer because she had found a clue to his identity?I feel reasonably certain Julian is the murderer in both cases but I’m very interested to see how their paths crossed on that English train.
I’m also of the belief that Julian is the murderer of both Leonie and her aunt, and he does seem to have changed from when he was first described. Also, the simple fact that the title zeros in on Wyllard himself seems like a dead giveaway at this point. As a previous commenter said, I’m now looking forward to seeing how all these paths crossed. I like the speculation that Leonie had some clue to her aunt’s murderer and that was the reason she was headed to England.
Mod
I also suspect Julian killed Marie and Leonie both. Maybe, once she was free from the convent, he set up a plan to lure her away from her grandmother on the pretense of offering her work? He appears to be (quite understandably) paranoid. That paranoia may have increased as he realized Leonie was growing up and may still present a problem.
I'm also worried that both Dora and Heathcote are in danger.
I hope to catch up soon!
Mod
I also sus..."
Do you mean Maria - the actress?
Mod
Yes, thanks! I'll edit my comment.
Mod
Mod
1. Bothwell is not only suspected by the local people, but the priest of the parish which he has attended regularly for communion actually asks him not to take the sacrament until his name has been cleared. By contrast, he enters into an understanding with Hilda in which both confess their deep attachment to each other. What do you make of Bothwell's history, and his new relationship with Hilda? What do you think Heathcote will do in response?
2. Significant progress is made in learning the history of our victim, and about a crime which she witnessed many years earlier. How might this tie into our current mystery?
3. What are your impressions of any of the new characters we meet in this section?
Please share your thoughts and impressions about the novel so far.