Question M

[Jonetta]

After Cassandra and Tom marry and return from their honeymoon, she has Bazzle show her the house, including his “room.” She is appalled at his circumstances and chastises Tom accordingly. Why had she asked Bazzle to show her around? Why did Tom choose to keep Bazzle at arm’s length given his own childhood experience with his mentor?

[Anita]

Cassandra knows that Tom sees himself in Bazzle but just doesn't want to open his heart to the boy.

[Sharon]

Cassandra wanted Bazzel to feel comfortable with her and her relationship with Tom. She didn't want Bazzel to worry that he would be replaced.

Tom's actions go back to his need to keep walls around his heart. He knew Bazzel, like Cassandra could hurt him.

[Jonetta]

I thought Cassandra wanted Bazzle to be comfortable with her, too. I also think she believed Tom had taken him in as a ward, never thinking he’d relegate him to the circumstances of a house servant. Tom didn’t want to send the boy mixed signals, that he was a member of his family. Again, he didn’t want the boy to be hurt as he was.

[Robin]

I agree. Cassandra was the new person in the house and didn't want Bazzel to feel that he wasn't wanted. She was trying to build a relationship with him when she asked him to show her around. I think she was stunned to find where Bazzel slept, and even more surprised that he was proud of his little "bed".

Tom didn't want Bazzel thinking he was part of the family and getting hurt just like Tom did many years ago. He was actually protecting the child in his own way.

[Sharon]

I was thinking about Cassandra. It is interesting how Cassandra and Tom craved love from their parents when they were young, but Cassandra is the more openly loving person. I think the love of her sisters gave her that foundation. She could count on them.

[Anita]

For most of the book I found Tom to be very closed emotionally. He came across as the typical analytical engineer type (I know a few of those). It took Cassandra meeting him on his level (fixing the boiler and the marriage contract) before he began to open up.

[Karen ♐]

Cassandra wanted to show Bazzle that he was part of the family. I loved how she let loose on Tom about how Bazzle was being treated. She showed that she was going to be Tom's equal in family matters.

[Jonetta]

Sharon wrote: "I was thinking about Cassandra. It is interesting how Cassandra and Tom craved love from their parents when they were young, but Cassandra is the more openly loving person. I think the love of her ..."

Interesting contrast, Sandra. You make a good point.