Reader's Guide - Carfax

[Tracy]

Question 4. Do you feel differently about Carfax by the end of the book?

[Kimberly]

I don't know that I feel differently, but I do see another layer of him. I don't think he has mellowed. First there was Giselle's parentage now it appears, he has again put his family, especially, Lady Carfax second to his goals. I was surprised that he is willing to completely sacrifice his marriage. I don't think Lady Carfax will forgive him, not just for herself, but also for her children.

I think Carfax is still working on the long game of defeating the League. I think having Julien assume his rightful place as Lord Carfax will allow Uncle Hubert to again work in the shadows. I think it will make him more dangerous. I think he is going to take a more active role. I think he sees Radford as too formidable.

[Betty]

I feel quite differently about Carfax at the end of the book. I was surprised that he didn't put up some resistance to Julien's claiming the title. However, since he's known the truth for so long, he probably had been planning for when it would emerge. I think he comes across now as a person more willing to work with those he has opposed. Perhaps it is just focusing on the enemies they have in common. But I will never underestimate Carfax and his ability to be sneaky and heartless. He has often reminded me of Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's spymaster.

I have mixed feelings about Amelia. Whereas I feel sorry for the change that will be forced upon her regarding their position in society, I think she comes across as a bit selfish. I'm interested in seeing how their lives evolve, whether Carfax maintains his position and power.

[Tracy]

Kim, do you think he'd have been putting his family first by fighting to keep the title? David wouldn't have thanked him, and at this point I'm not sure the girls would have either. Also the League are less of a threat to his family now they can't hold the truth over him.

[Tracy]

Betty wrote: "I feel quite differently about Carfax at the end of the book. I was surprised that he didn't put up some resistance to Julien's claiming the title. However, since he's known the truth for so long, ..."

The Walsingham comparison is a good one, Betty. I think as Carfax says he's known giving up the title to Julien was inevitable for some time. This way he controls the narrative and undercuts the League.

I agree Amelia is somewhat selfish, though I think she would say her concern is for her children.