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And Only to Deceive
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Alexander, Tasha: And Only to Deceive "Buddy Read" Start Jan. 26, 2012
Sandy’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. Do you read a lot of historical fiction? If so, is this one of the time periods you enjoy reading about? What are some characteristics about the Victorian era that appeal to you or turn you off?
2. What do you think about Emily so far?
3. Emily marries Philip for the sole reason of escaping her mother’s control. She had many other suitors, so why does she choose Philip?
4. What do you think about Philip and Emily not spending much time together as newlyweds? Typical of the times? In contrast, Ivy and her new husband seem very close and spend much time together.
5. We know Philip dies, but we are not told how he died. Was it a hunting accident? Do you think foul play may be involved? Hmmm, do you think he is really dead?
6. Why is Emily not very alarmed by the mysterious man who is watching her at the museum, at her home and then in Paris(!)? I would be calling the police pronto!
7. Someone has not-so-good intentions. I am suspecting everyone. The footman who was snooping was probably working for someone, but whom? Could be anyone. Lord Palmer, Colin Hargreaves, or another collector. Does anyone stand out in your mind as a prime suspect?
8. Is it just me, or does Colin seem awfully anxious for Emily to go to Greece?
9. Is Emily too trusting of Cecile du Lac?
10. Emily learns that her husband thought very highly of her, but she barely thought of him at all. I am wondering how is this possible. If he loved her so much, why spend so much time away from her, and also why not communicate his feelings in his letters to her? She has to find out from someone like Renoir that her husband thought she was extraordinarily beautiful.
11. Colin and Emily have an interesting relationship. Do you think it may turn romantic?
12. The Iliad figures very prominently in this novel so far. Do you think some parallel with the story could occur in the novel? Someone’s wife is stolen/seduced and a war ensues? Or instead of a wife, it’s some valuable antique object?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 12
13. Have you read The Iliad? My ex listened to it on audio – so I would say I’ve heard it; however, I wasn’t “actively” listening. This book makes me think I should give it another go. You?
14. It seems my suspicions were incorrect; Lord Philip Ashton was well known for his patronage of the arts. Hmmm… What do you make of Monsieur Pontiero? The Englishman, Mr. Aldwin Attewater? Is Colin’s concern legitimate, what with him being a forger as opposed to an artist? Did you think her response to Colin “immature”?
15. I’m confusing my Palmers – Andrew is the elder (“got all the good looks the family has to offer”), Author the younger (“doesn’t seem particularly bright”). Nevertheless, they are in Paris?! And Author was “luring” her away from “crusty old pots” as well as Colin! Maybe he’s a little brighter than others realize. What about the dinner companion on the other side of her, Monsieur Fournier, saying he’d be interested in Philip’s bust of Apollo? Comments.
16. What do you think of the American, Margaret Seward? Why do Americans always have to be portrayed as too brash? She smokes, she drinks, she speaks her mind. For once, I’d like to see one depicted against type.
17. Are we reading Philip’s journal or his monograph at the beginning of each chapter now? I don’t think they are his letters. Have you found any hints as to what he was looking for – or found? Maybe it’s in his letters to her. I have a feeling someone is going to riffle through things now that they know she left Philip’s letters at home. You? I was thinking that something might be in his cellars and now that Emily is drinking port, she may find something. (BTW, I adore Davis!)
18. Oh! I spoke too soon! Her Paris hotel suite was ransacked! Who do you think did it? And why?
19. To what was Colin referring to when he said, “Did it begin on your wedding trip?” What “business”? How does Colin really feel about Emily after her confession? She certainly fell of her pedestal, I think.
20. What did you think about the Praxiteles bust of Apollo, donated by Thomas Barrett? The one discovered by Davis in Philip’s dressing room. Could the one in the museum be a forgery one – and the other is real? Or are both forgeries?
21. Will Emily be able to trace the gentleman talking with the “man with the scar” outside her him? Was it one of her dinner guests?
Sandy’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 18 22. I love how the servants are happy about Emily drinking port with the gentlemen. I’ve recently started watching Downton Abbey, so any time there’s a scene with a servant I think of the TV show. It’s funny how her friends chalk her behavior up to missing her husband or being rattled by the break-in in Paris.
23. Andrew is awfully forward with Emily, but she admits to enjoying his attentions. I am so suspicious of him, I am glad that she tells him she won’t see him again without a chaperone. I am a little wary of him looking in her library while she goes to the country.
24. Colin is very persistent with his questioning. The big mystery must involve some missing antique, no?
25. Well, we were right about the statue being the real thing. How funny to imagine the maid breaking it (again I think of Downton Abbey). I’m still confused about what’s going on with regard to forgeries, etc.
26. Andrew doesn’t trust Colin, but we don’t know why. Hmmmm.
27. Emily remembers her wedding trip and hoping her husband would wake her up when he came to bed since she enjoyed their physical encounters. This is the first I have heard of her “enjoying” her husband, physically or otherwise, while he was alive. To me, this softens her character a bit (as she was before he died). At least she wasn’t completely cold to him.
28. I find it odd that Emily hasn’t visited her other homes. If I had inherited a country estate and a Greek villa, I would have been planning my vacations ASAP. I guess it was harder to get around in those days.
29. The plot thickens: possibly more “real” art objects at the estate, and (allegedly) an argument between Colin and Philip before his death. I wish I knew what was going on. Do you believe Philip deliberately engaged in illegal activities? I hope all will be revealed.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 19 – 22
30. I don’t trust Cécile du Lac – did you pick up that Ivy said she’d seen her drink plenty of other beverages besides champagne? Yeah, I figure she was trying to loosen Emily’s tongue, as opposed to getting her to relax. Anyway, according to her letter, things started to change on E&P’s wedding trip. So, I’m thinking Philip and Colin argued because Colin found out he was dealing with forgeries – and possible that he was presenting them to the museum as originals.
31. Eep! Andrew proposed! Comments.
32. **Gasp!!!!** Man-oh-man! The glove’s owner was a stunner to me. You?
33. Okay, after Emily’s visit to the British Museum with Mr. Aldwin Attewater, I’m really confused about the forgeries. Follow me on this: Now I’m hoping Philip gave the original artifacts to the museum. Then, when visiting Lysander Vardakas, whom he mentioned in his journal, he realized that someone was replacing the originals, bought them all and shipped them to his country estate to expose someone at a later date. Am I being naïve?
34. Oh! I think Emily’s mother makes an entrance in the story just to vex me. Or remind me of the times in which this book is really set. You? Her and that “you’re getting old” routine. Yikes! Of course, they didn’t have all the products we have nowadays to maintain the appearance of youth. Still, Emily’s only in her early twenties!
35. Oh, dear! Emily is going to delve deeper into the black market world of forgeries. I hope she don’t get herself in dire straits. And Margaret is going to assist her. Comments.
36. I’m waxing and waning on Colin Hargreaves! I calmed down over the gloves; I was thinking he might really be concerned about Emily’s safety, that the “man with the scar” might have been hired by him as a sort of bodyguard. Yet, why was he so evasive about his job? Now, Emily will never heed his advice! Comments.
37. Do you think Colin was the one who ransacked Emily’s suite in Paris?
38. Was Arthur’s letter from Philip a fake? Could Philip still be alive?
39. When did Colin become part of the museum forgery scheme? Just because he recognized Attewater? Because of the dropped glove and the “scar faced man”? Because of Philip’s recent letter? Why isn’t Emily thinking outside the box on this one?
40. Attewater was really sweating there during Emily’s questioning and being pretty evasive. What does that mean?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 23 – 28 41. What did you think of Ivy’s news at the beginning of Chapter 23 that there were rumors of a sick Englishman was wandering in Africa? Were you hoping Philip was alive? Did you think Emily went off a little halfcocked?
42. Okay, we know Andrew did the set up with the picture, but why? Did he just need financing to Africa? Is there something there that he wants, or is it just another safari again? Why does want Emily to go? To compromise her?
43. Did you figure out how “Mr. Prescott” – if that’s his name – came in to possession of the wedding photo before it was revealed? I surely did and was suspicious of him from the beginning.
44. Chapter 25 Quote: “Nonetheless, I shall not let him be my Patroculus.” The word “patrol” comes from the word Patroculus. Whatever did Philip mean when he wrote this about Colin?
45. Did Emily kiss Colin a little more passionately on the Pont Neuf (see picture above) than she did Andrew in her drawing room? Why ever in the world is Mr. Murray in Paris – and meeting with Colin? Is Colin working for the British Museum?
46. Cécile du Lac is proving quite invaluable in Emily’s investigation. At this point in the story, were you still as suspicious of her? And why does the cat burglar keep getting brought up? Is that a MacGuffin?
***Spoiler Alert if you have not finished the novel***Sandy’s Questions for Chapters 29 – 36
(view spoiler)
Let's discuss February start dates, for anyone who is interested.
Hey, Sandy! Would you want to start this January 26 or 27th?
I picked this up yesterday at the library. I can start tomorrow if you want, Lisa Kay.
Okay, unless you need the "O" for February?How many chapters do you want to read a day? It has 36 chapters, 321 pages. If the chapters are equal, that's about 8.91 pages each.
Well...I started this last night, intending to read a chapter or two...I went to page 81. I really like it! There are many issues we can discuss.I am open to pages/chapters per day. It's pretty fast-paced and interesting. Let me know what you think after you've started it.
Of course, if you need to wait until February that is fine too. I can put it down for a few days...I have so many books to read! It's an addiction!
Hi, I have this on my list to read for a challenge. Wasn't planning on starting this so soon, but since there is a buddy read going, I would love to join. I'm not great with holding to certain chapters a day, however! Hope that's okay.
Hi Leslie. Welcome to the buddy read! Glad you are joining us. Please jump in on the discussions whenever you are ready. :-)
Welcome to the "buddy read", Leslie!
Yeah, I stayed up working on GoodReads' Group Newsletter all night instead of sleeping. I'll catch up, but won't post questions until tonight. (It's 7:27 a.m. here.) If you want to post the first set you can, Sandy... or I'll do it tonight. ☺How many chapters is 81 pages... (I have it on Kindle.)
I read 9 chapters last night. They went very quickly.I should be able to post some questions at some point today. I'll do chapters 1 - 5, ok?
Can you do six, Sandy? It will make it even that way and we'll still end in Jan.
Questions for Chapters 1 – 61. Do you read a lot of historical fiction? If so, is this one of the time periods you enjoy reading about? What are some characteristics about the Victorian era that appeal to you or turn you off?
2. What do you think about Emily so far?
3. Emily marries Philip for the sole reason of escaping her mother’s control. She had many other suitors, so why does she choose Philip?
4. What do you think about Philip and Emily not spending much time together as newlyweds?
Typical of the times? In contrast, Ivy and her new husband seem very close and spend much time together.
5. We know Philip dies, but we are not told how he died. Was it a hunting accident? Do you think foul play may be involved? Hmmm, do you think he is really dead?
6. Why is Emily not very alarmed by the mysterious man who is watching her at the museum, at her home and then in Paris(!)? I would be calling the police pronto!
7. Someone has not-so-good intentions. I am suspecting everyone. The footman who was snooping was probably working for someone, but who? Could be anyone. Lord Palmer, Colin Hargreaves, or another collector. Does anyone stand out in your mind as a prime suspect?
8. Is it just me, or does Colin seem awfully anxious for Emily to go to Greece?
9. Is Emily too trusting of Cecile du Lac?
10. Emily learns that her husband thought very highly of her, but she barely thought of him at all. I am wondering how is this possible. If he loved her so much, why spend so much time away from her, and also why not communicate his feelings in his letters to her? She has to find out from someone like Renoir that her husband thought she was extraordinarily beautiful.
11. Colin and Emily have an interesting relationship. Do you think it may turn romantic?
12. The Iliad figures very prominently in this novel so far. Do you think some parallel with the story could occur in the novel? Someone’s wife is stolen/seduced and a war ensues? Or instead of a wife, it’s some valuable antique object?
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Sandy’s Questions for Chapters 1 – 6 1. Do you read a lot of historical fiction? If so, is this one of the time periods you enjoy reading about? What are some characteristics about the Victorian era that appeal to you or turn you off?
Yes, I read tons of historical fiction, especially if it is “historical romance”! I love a good mystery and decades ago I was reading a series that was “historical mystery” which I really enjoyed; alas, I’ve forgotten the name. Love the Victorian era, the fashions, the emerging industry.
2. What do you think about Emily so far?
I like her. She really is pretty young. If she was 17 when she came out; her mother hounded her for a while… it might bring her to 18; add 6 months of marriage; then a year and a half mourning … makes her about 20-21. She’s pretty practical and accepting of her “lot in life” – however, she’s destined for an adventure, me thinks. Loved what her friend Ivy said, “Beastly of him to die before you realized he might be fascinating.” LOL! I think she realizes she missed out on something, maybe took Philip for granted. Love how she dispatched the harpies, though.
3. Emily marries Philip for the sole reason of escaping her mother’s control. She had many other suitors, so why does she choose Philip?
I think it would nowadays be called a “piggyback” marriage – used to get out of the home. That mother of hers was a trip; she even sweetened Emily’s tea to her own tastes. LOL! I was wondering if it is b/c he was to be gone for long stretches of time. I think Philip just happen to be in the right place at the right time. We’ll see if this theme plays out in the book.
4. What do you think about Philip and Emily not spending much time together as newlyweds? Typical of the times? In contrast, Ivy and her new husband seem very close and spend much time together.
I believe it was pretty typical of the times and the location. The English often had separate bedrooms, didn’t they? Still, it is a bit of a shock she knew so little of his activities (i.e. donating artifacts to the museum). Hmmm… about Ivy & Robert, I do think there are love matches in every era.
5. We know Philip dies, but we are not told how he died. Was it a hunting accident? Do you think foul play may be involved? Hmmm, do you think he is really dead?
Hmmm… My first guess would be to say hunting accident; nevertheless, this is a mystery, so we’ll see. I don’t know if his “illness” was associated with his death.
6. Why is Emily not very alarmed by the mysterious man who is watching her at the museum, at her home and then in Paris(!)? I would be calling the police pronto!
Me too! Yikes! He has a dueling scar, unflinching stare, the ability to disappear instantaneously, and everything. ☺
7. Someone has not-so-good intentions. I am suspecting everyone. The footman who was snooping was probably working for someone, but whom? Could be anyone. Lord Palmer, Colin Hargreaves, or another collector. Does anyone stand out in your mind as a prime suspect?
Yeah, the footman was looking for that note, I bet. Or maybe the monograph (a detailed written study of a single specialized subject or an aspect of it) that Lord Palmer was interested in. And just to what did Philip’s monograph pertain? Anyway, weird note; I highlighted in my Kindle edition. Achilles killing the queen of the Amazon? Most peculiar.
8. Is it just me, or does Colin seem awfully anxious for Emily to go to Greece?
I concur. Moves him up in the suspect list. I also believe that he dropped “Kallista’s” name on purpose; I’m NOT buying that he thought it was Philip’s “private” name for her. **blows raspberry**
9. Is Emily too trusting of Cecile du Lac?
Probably. I’m like you; I don’t trust anybody in this story!
10. Emily learns that her husband thought very highly of her, but she barely thought of him at all. I am wondering how is this possible? If he loved her so much, why spend so much time away from her, and also why not communicate his feelings in his letters to her? She has to find out from someone like Renoir that her husband thought she was extraordinarily beautiful.
Men! What else can I say? I am loving this book and I think Emily may be falling In love with her husband! Just think! To have Renoir, the leading Impressionist painter, paint your portrait! Then again, maybe Philip didn’t hire him; maybe this is a ruse to gain entry into Emily’s life? I mean, where are all Phillip’s paintings?
11. Colin and Emily have an interesting relationship. Do you think it may turn romantic?
Uh. I don’t know. He might be the Big Fuc#er? I think he showed up the day after the footman got busted b/c he hired the footman to snoop. He knows was tê kallistê meant. I thought for a while he might be the coward Fitzroy, masquerading as Hargreaves; however, if he was the best man at Emily’s wedding, surely she recognizes him.
12. The Iliad figures very prominently in this novel so far. Do you think some parallel with the story could occur in the novel? Someone’s wife is stolen/seduced and a war ensues? Or instead of a wife, it’s some valuable antique object?
Yes, read the poem at the beginning. Very interesting. I haven’t a clue, do you?
I also posted the chapter breakdown above.
hey LK! sorry for hacking this thread but I just wanted to tell you that I showed off to my co mods and they loved the challenges hehe Thanks again!
Great, Midu! Glad it worked out so well. ☺
Some of the artists and art work pertaining to this book.calyx-krater shaped Greek vase (Musée du Louvre - 500 B.C.)
Pierre-Auguste Renoir's painting of On the Terrace (1881)
Praxiteles’ statue of Hermes and the Infant Dionysus (4th century BC)
Ah, Lisa Kay, I should have known you would find beautiful pictures to complement our thread! :-)Sounds like you are liking the book as much as I am!
@Lisa Kay2. I didn't like Emily much at first. I'm not sure why because I did admire that she stood up to her mother and didn't want to conform to society's expectations. But then she went and married Philip simply to get out of mother's clutches and had no regard for his feelings. I thought that was cold of her...even though she expected marriage to be more of a business relationship...I would have liked her better if she had a least a fraction of romanticism.
I like her much better now and feel bad for her that she's in love with her husband too late.
5. Oh, did they mention "illness?" I must have overlooked that.
8. I am really looking forward to her finally going to Greece and seeing what that's all about. Wasn't Kallista really his name for her? (Renoir's painting was called Portrait of Kallista.
11. Colin= Fitzroy...I like it! But I do suppose she would have recognized him...I am thinking Fitzroy will figure later in the story.
12. I don't know how this will relate to the story, but I imagine it will somehow given how Emily is so into it.
@ Sandy#2 – Yes, I can see why you didn’t like Emily very much at the beginning. I credited a lot of it to her youth. I think we’re going to see her grow in this book (and in this series; I believe she’s in all the books, correct?).
5 – Yes, Hargreaves mentions it when he visits Emily in Chapter 1.
“Greece?” I asked, not wanting to reveal more ignorance of my husband’s interests than absolutely necessary.8 – Yes! Let’s get to Greece. I’m not really doubting that Philip called her “Kallista” – I just believe that “Kallista” had some bearing on his quest and that Philip knows this. I don’t complete trust him. I want to, but I’m worried about a twist here. I was worried that “Kallista” might turn out to be a mistress, but those fears were allayed. Still, I think Philip’s real passion was his hunt for “Kallista” and not so much Emily. Only in that he hunted for a suitable wife, found her in Emily, then went on with his hunt for “Kallista” – whatever artifact that turns out to be.
“As I’m sure you know, he spent months there every year. While he was ill in Africa…” Mr. Hargreaves paused, looking at me questioningly.
11 – I know! I thought it was a good theory. Alas, I believe I was wrong. You’re probably right. Maybe Fitzroy’s the Big Fuc#er, though he sounds a little cowardly.
12 – Yeah, there’s a serious connection; it figures too prominently in the story. It’s in everything she is reading and researching.
Glad you like the pics. I didn’t say, but Praxiteles was credited with carving the first “life size” statues. I think I’m going to learn a few things in this book!
8. I thought Kallista was a mistress at first, too! Great minds. :-)
I have questions for Chapter 7 done only, Sandy. I stayed up late reading an advance copy of
a friend lent me... so I'm still rubbing the sand out of my eyes. I'll get the DQs up in a few hours. Sorry, Kleypas is my favorite writer and I have no willpower.
Oh, lucky you! I'm a Kleypas fan, too.
It was
really
good. Has some sad parts, though. She's branching into “magical realism” – and I love it. It doesn't overwhelm the book, but makes a few appearances at critical times.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 12 13. Have you read The Iliad? My ex listened to it on audio – so I would say I’ve heard it; however, I wasn’t “actively” listening. This book makes me think I should give it another go. You?
14. It seems my suspicions were incorrect; Lord Philip Ashton was well known for his patronage of the arts. Hmmm… What do you make of Monsieur Pontiero? The Englishman, Mr. Aldwin Attewater? Is Colin’s concern legitimate, what with him being a forger as opposed to an artist? Did you think her response to Colin “immature”?
15. I’m confusing my Palmers – Andrew is the elder (“got all the good looks the family has to offer”), Author the younger (“doesn’t seem particularly bright”). Nevertheless, they are in Paris?! And Author was “luring” her away from “crusty old pots” as well as Colin! Maybe he’s a little brighter than others realize. What about the dinner companion on the other side of her, Monsieur Fournier, saying he’d be interested in Philip’s bust of Apollo? Comments.
16. What do you think of the American, Margaret Seward? Why do Americans always have to be portrayed as too brash? She smokes, she drinks, she speaks her mind. For once, I’d like to see one depicted against type.
17. Are we reading Philip’s journal or his monograph at the beginning of each chapter now? I don’t think they are his letters. Have you found any hints as to what he was looking for – or found? Maybe it’s in his letters to her. I have a feeling someone is going to riffle through things back in England now that they know she left Philip’s letters at home. You? I was thinking that something might be in his cellars and now that Emily is drinking port, she may find something. (BTW, I adore Davis!)
18. Oh! I spoke too soon! Her Paris hotel suite was ransacked! Who do you think did it? And why?
19. To what was Colin referring when he said, “Did it begin on your wedding trip?” What “business”? How does Colin really feel about Emily after her confession? She certainly fell of her pedestal, I think.
20. What did you think about the Praxiteles bust of Apollo, donated by Thomas Barrett? The one discovered by Davis in Philip’s dressing room. Could the one in the museum be a forgery one – and the other is real? Or are both forgeries?
21. Will Emily be able to trace the gentleman talking with the “man with the scar” outside her home? Was it one of her dinner guests?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 7 – 1213. Have you read The Iliad? My ex listened to it on audio – so I would say I’ve heard it; however, I wasn’t “actively” listening. This book makes me think I should give it another go. You?
I read it in high school (long, long ago!). I enjoyed the movie Troy with Brad Pitt. LOL I could try reading it again. I still have my copy from high school.
14. It seems my suspicions were incorrect; Lord Philip Ashton was well known for his patronage of the arts. Hmmm… What do you make of Monsieur Pontiero? The Englishman, Mr. Aldwin Attewater? Is Colin’s concern legitimate, what with him being a forger as opposed to an artist? Did you think her response to Colin “immature”?
I like the drawing master. If Renoir referred him, he must be good. I wouldn't think Attewater is a forger unless he sells the works and tries to pass them off as original, right? As far as I know, he makes no secret that he has copies. I don't think her response was immature at all.
15. I’m confusing my Palmers – Andrew is the elder (“got all the good looks the family has to offer”), Author the younger (“doesn’t seem particularly bright”). Nevertheless, they are in Paris?! And Author was “luring” her away from “crusty old pots” as well as Colin! Maybe he’s a little brighter than others realize. What about the dinner companion on the other side of her, Monsieur Fournier, saying he’d be interested in Philip’s bust of Apollo? Comments.
Andrew seems harmless, but you never know what lies beneath the exterior.
Fournier is a competitor of Philip's and eager to get his hands on anything Philip had. Fournier's interest is in owning the pieces, not sharing them in a museum. He is one of my main suspects.
16. What do you think of the American, Margaret Seward? Why do Americans always have to be portrayed as too brash? She smokes, she drinks, she speaks her mind. For once, I’d like to see one depicted against type.
Yep, the stereotypical American suffragette. Ha! At least she is very intelligent and I hope she is worthy of Emily's trust.
17. Are we reading Philip’s journal or his monograph at the beginning of each chapter now? I don’t think they are his letters. Have you found any hints as to what he was looking for – or found? Maybe it’s in his letters to her. I have a feeling someone is going to riffle through things back in England now that they know she left Philip’s letters at home. You? I was thinking that something might be in his cellars and now that Emily is drinking port, she may find something. (BTW, I adore Davis!)
I do believe it is his journal. There definitely will be something of value in the journal and/or the letters. I like Davis too.
18. Oh! I spoke too soon! Her Paris hotel suite was ransacked! Who do you think did it? And why?
Geez, could be anyone who is looking for some treasured artifact. Forniere is my main suspect at this point.
19. To what was Colin referring when he said, “Did it begin on your wedding trip?” What “business”? How does Colin really feel about Emily after her confession? She certainly fell of her pedestal, I think.
Emily was confessing to not loving Philip, but Colin thought she was talking about something else. So there is definitely some other secret out there, we just don't know what yet. I am surprised that Colin was so offended by her confession. I would have thought he would be glad since he appears interested in her.
20. What did you think about the Praxiteles bust of Apollo, donated by Thomas Barrett? The one discovered by Davis in Philip’s dressing room. Could the one in the museum be a forgery one – and the other is real? Or are both forgeries?
My first thought was that the one in the house was the real McCoy.
21. Will Emily be able to trace the gentleman talking with the “man with the scar” outside her home? Was it one of her dinner guests?
Not sure, but we do know it was a "gentleman!"
@ Sandy#13 – Now, that would be an epic “buddy read” – LOL!
#14 – I was thinking he could be doing forgeries for a third part to pass off. Interesting; I thought her response a little immature – and naïve.
#15 – I have Fournier as a suspect, but probably not as high as you do on the list.
#16 – I like her and also hope her worthy of Emily’s trust. I wonder if she goes to Greece with her?
#17 – I think it is his journal too. I’ve been highlighting a few things… still don’t know the mystery. Ha! The mystery is a mystery.
#19 – Yes, I was surprised too. I’m liking him better now and he’s moved down on my list of suspects.
#20 – Mind Meld! I’m betting it is.
We haven't heard from Leslie. Do you know her from elsewhere? If she doesn't post soon, do you want to do the DQs for tomorrow, Sandy, or should I?
I'm happy to do questions. Almost done with the reading, so I can post first thing in the a.m.
Great, Sandy! If it is just you and me, maybe I'll post some later tomorrow afternoon and we can get this done. Okay?
Questions for Chapters 13 – 1822. I love how the servants are happy about Emily drinking port with the gentlemen. I’ve recently started watching Downton Abbey, so any time there’s a scene with a servant I think of the TV show. It’s funny how her friends chalk her behavior up to missing her husband or being rattled by the break-in in Paris.
23. Andrew is awfully forward with Emily, but she admits to enjoying his attentions. I am so suspicious of him, I am glad that she tells him she won’t see him again without a chaperone. I am a little wary of him looking in her library while she goes to the country.
24. Colin is very persistent with his questioning. The big mystery must involve some missing antique, no?
25. Well, we were right about the statue being the real thing. How funny to imagine the maid breaking it (again I think of Downton Abbey). I’m still confused about what’s going on with regard to forgeries, etc.
26. Andrew doesn’t trust Colin, but we don’t know why. Hmmmm.
27. Emily remembers her wedding trip and hoping her husband would wake her up when he came to bed since she enjoyed their physical encounters. This is the first I have heard of her “enjoying” her husband, physically or otherwise, while he was alive. To me, this softens her character a bit (as she was before he died). At least she wasn’t completely cold to him.
28. I find it odd that Emily hasn’t visited her other homes. If I had inherited a country estate and a Greek villa, I would have been planning my vacations ASAP. I guess it was harder to get around in those days.
29. The plot thickens: possibly more “real” art objects at the estate, and (allegedly) an argument between Colin and Philip before his death. I wish I knew what was going on. Do you believe Philip deliberately engaged in illegal activities? I hope all will be revealed.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Sandy’s Questions for Chapters 13 – 18 22. I love how the servants are happy about Emily drinking port with the gentlemen. I’ve recently started watching Downton Abbey, so any time there’s a scene with a servant I think of the TV show. It’s funny how her friends chalk her behavior up to missing her husband or being rattled by the break-in in Paris.
I watched Downton Abbey last year, but haven’t caught up with this year’s episodes. I have them on TiVo. At first I had to wonder about the servants expressing this to Emily, then thought, “Yes, I think the servants know what it is like to be consigned to ‘outer circle.’”
23. Andrew is awfully forward with Emily, but she admits to enjoying his attentions. I am so suspicious of him, I am glad that she tells him she won’t see him again without a chaperone. I am a little wary of him looking in her library while she goes to the country.
Well, she liked it at first, but she likes her independence more. I would imagine she is lonely at times. I was relieved when I read later that Davis stood over his shoulder while Andrew searched for Phillip’s monograph.
24. Colin is very persistent with his questioning. The big mystery must involve some missing antique, no?
I think so (see #25 below too...) There must be a map to it, or some type of certification paper? Their looking for something on a piece of paper (or parchment) as opposed to something larger than a book or journal.
25. Well, we were right about the statue being the real thing. How funny to imagine the maid breaking it (again I think of Downton Abbey). I’m still confused about what’s going on with regard to forgeries, etc.
I gasped! Glad it could be repaired. I think Emily believes Philip was keeping the originals and giving the forgeries to the museum. The thing that is throwing me is I don’t know why that would cause anyone to be searching for something paper, unless the paper is some type of certification? Or a map to more treasures?
26. Andrew doesn’t trust Colin, but we don’t know why. Hmmmm.
I think it is vice versa. Colin knows Andrew is up to no good, so Andrew is painting him black b/f Colin and do so to him.
27. Emily remembers her wedding trip and hoping her husband would wake her up when he came to bed since she enjoyed their physical encounters. This is the first I have heard of her “enjoying” her husband, physically or otherwise, while he was alive. To me, this softens her character a bit (as she was before he died). At least she wasn’t completely cold to him.
I think she enjoyed the comfort and cuddles from another person; but, I could be wrong on this. Maybe she found fulfillment in organism.
28. I find it odd that Emily hasn’t visited her other homes. If I had inherited a country estate and a Greek villa, I would have been planning my vacations ASAP. I guess it was harder to get around in those days.
Really! I’d have a hard time choosing which to visit first! Seems like she could get to the country, though; she must really be a city girl. I do think transportation was an issue. Still…
29. The plot thickens: possibly more “real” art objects at the estate, and (allegedly) an argument between Colin and Philip before his death. I wish I knew what was going on. Do you believe Philip deliberately engaged in illegal activities? I hope all will be revealed.
Yes, all this is – despite what she says to the contrary – making Emily fall out of love with her husband. I don’t know about the argument. I think A&A are setting Emily up and they were the one who argued with Philip, or are twisting the facts.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 19 – 22 30. I don’t trust Cécile du Lac – did you pick up that Ivy said she’d seen her drink plenty of other beverages besides champagne? Yeah, I figure she was trying to loosen Emily’s tongue, as opposed to getting her to relax. Anyway, according to her letter, things started to change on E&P’s wedding trip. So, I’m thinking Philip and Colin argued because Colin found out he was dealing with forgeries – and possible that he was presenting them to the museum as originals.
31. Eep! Andrew proposed! Comments.
32. **Gasp!!!!** Man-oh-man! The glove’s owner was a stunner to me. You?
33. Okay, after Emily’s visit to the British Museum with Mr. Aldwin Attewater, I’m really confused about the forgeries. Follow me on this: Now I’m hoping Philip gave the original artifacts to the museum. Then, when visiting Lysander Vardakas, whom he mentioned in his journal, he realized that someone was replacing the originals, bought them all and shipped them to his country estate to expose someone at a later date. Am I being naïve?
34. Oh! I think Emily’s mother makes an entrance in the story just to vex me. Or remind me of the times in which this book is really set. You? Her and that “you’re getting old” routine. Yikes! Of course, they didn’t have all the products we have nowadays to maintain the appearance of youth. Still, Emily’s only in her early twenties!
35. Oh, dear! Emily is going to delve deeper into the black market world of forgeries. I hope she don’t get herself in dire straits. And Margaret is going to assist her. Comments.
36. I’m waxing and waning on Colin Hargreaves! I calmed down over the gloves; I was thinking he might really be concerned about Emily’s safety, that the “man with the scar” might have been hired by him as a sort of bodyguard. Yet, why was he so evasive about his job? Now, Emily will never heed his advice! Comments.
37. Do you think Colin was the one who ransacked Emily’s suite in Paris?
38. Was Arthur’s letter from Philip a fake? Could Philip still be alive?
39. When did Colin become part of the museum forgery scheme? Just because he recognized Attewater? Because of the dropped glove and the “scar faced man”? Because of Philip’s recent letter? Why isn’t Emily thinking outside the box on this one?
40. Attewater was really sweating there during Emily’s questioning and being pretty evasive. What does that mean?
Updated: 6 p.m. I only did DQs for four chapters; however, Chapter 20 was a big one. I may get to more later this afternoon or evening. Loving this story. ☺
Well, I finished the book so I will try not to give anything away in my answers.Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 19 – 22
30. I don’t trust Cécile du Lac – did you pick up that Ivy said she’d seen her drink plenty of other beverages besides champagne? Yeah, I figure she was trying to loosen Emily’s tongue, as opposed to getting her to relax. Anyway, according to her letter, things started to change on E&P’s wedding trip. So, I’m thinking Philip and Colin argued because Colin found out he was dealing with forgeries – and possible that he was presenting them to the museum as originals.
It's difficult to trust anyone in this book. Cecile was a stranger and is now acting like her best friend, but are their ulterior motives?
31. Eep! Andrew proposed! Comments. Emily has resigned herself to being an eccentric widow. I'm glad she turned him down.
32. **Gasp!!!!** Man-oh-man! The glove’s owner was a stunner to me. You? I wasn't stunned since I suspected everyone. I think I've become too cynical of a reader.
33. Okay, after Emily’s visit to the British Museum with Mr. Aldwin Attewater, I’m really confused about the forgeries. Follow me on this: Now I’m hoping Philip gave the original artifacts to the museum. Then, when visiting Lysander Vardakas, whom he mentioned in his journal, he realized that someone was replacing the originals, bought them all and shipped them to his country estate to expose someone at a later date. Am I being naïve? I can't comment on this, but I admit to being thoroughly confused until all was revealed.
34. Oh! I think Emily’s mother makes an entrance in the story just to vex me. Or remind me of the times in which this book is really set. You? Her and that “you’re getting old” routine. Yikes! Of course, they didn’t have all the products we have nowadays to maintain the appearance of youth. Still, Emily’s only in her early twenties! Right, but back then 30 was the new 50 LOL.
35. Oh, dear! Emily is going to delve deeper into the black market world of forgeries. I hope she don’t get herself in dire straits. And Margaret is going to assist her. Comments. Yes, it is a dangerous operation for her and could have serious consequences.
36. I’m waxing and waning on Colin Hargreaves! I calmed down over the gloves; I was thinking he might really be concerned about Emily’s safety, that the “man with the scar” might have been hired by him as a sort of bodyguard. Yet, why was he so evasive about his job? Now, Emily will never heed his
I never trusted Colin, but then again I didn't trust anyone (cynical) and I felt bad for Emily because she couldn't trust anyone.
37. Do you think Colin was the one who ransacked Emily’s suite in Paris? ??
38. Was Arthur’s letter from Philip a fake? Could Philip still be alive? I really want Philip to be alive. It seems to amazing to be true, but I thought this could be the case from the very beginning.
39. When did Colin become part of the museum forgery scheme? Just because he recognized Attewater? Because of the dropped glove and the “scar faced man”? Because of Philip’s recent letter? Why isn’t Emily thinking outside the box on this one?
40. Attewater was really sweating there during Emily’s questioning and being pretty evasive. What does that mean? I think she was getting close to the truth of the matter and he was afraid of revealing secrets that weren't really his to reveal.
Lisa Kay, I'm here and reading comments. Unfortunately I wasn't able to start this book at the same time as everyone else. So Sad! I am enjoying reading what everyone is talking about, however. Sorry I couldn't participate more.
That's okay, Leslie! Sorry Real Life got in the way. These things happen. I, myself, have no excuse, Sandy. I've been on http://pinterest.com/ for hours now, instead of reading and doing my DQs.
Pont Neuf (the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine in Paris, France) at Sunset
Daru Staircase with the winged Nike Victory of Samothrace, Denon wing, Louvre Museum.
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From Wiki: The Winged Victory of Samothrace, also called the Nike of Samothrace, is a 2nd century BC marble sculpture of the Greek goddess Nike (Victory). Since 1884, it has been prominently displayed at the Louvre and is one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world.
Here is what Wiki has to say about a MacGuffin:*Wiki Definition of a MacGuffin :
A MacGuffin (sometimes McGuffin or maguffin) is “a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot of a work of fiction”. The defining aspect of a MacGuffin is that the major players in the story are (at least initially) willing to do and sacrifice almost anything to obtain it, regardless of what the MacGuffin actually is. In fact, the specific nature of the MacGuffin may be ambiguous, undefined, generic, left open to interpretation or otherwise completely unimportant to the plot. Common examples are money, victory, glory, survival, a source of power, a potential threat, or it may simply be something entirely unexplained.
The MacGuffin is common in films, especially thrillers. Usually the MacGuffin is the central focus of the film in the first act, and then declines in importance as the struggles and motivations of characters play out. It may come back into play at the climax of the story, but sometimes the MacGuffin is actually forgotten by the end of the film. Multiple MacGuffins are sometimes—somewhat derisively—referred to as plot coupons.
The director and producer Alfred Hitchcock popularized both the term "MacGuffin" and the technique, with his 1935 film The 39 Steps, an early example of the concept. Hitchcock explained the term "MacGuffin" in a 1939 lecture at Columbia University: "[We] have a name in the studio, and we call it the 'MacGuffin'. It is the mechanical element that usually crops up in any story. In crook stories it is almost always the necklace and in spy stories it is most always the papers".
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 23 – 28 41. What did you think of Ivy’s news at the beginning of Chapter 23 that there were rumors of a sick Englishman was wandering in Africa? Were you hoping Philip was alive? Did you think Emily went off a little halfcocked?
42. Okay, we know Andrew did the set up with the picture, but why? Did he just need financing to Africa? Is there something there that he wants, or is it just another safari again? Why does want Emily to go? To compromise her?
43. Did you figure out how “Mr. Prescott” – if that’s his name – came in to possession of the wedding photo before it was revealed? I surely did and was suspicious of him from the beginning.
44. Chapter 25 Quote: “Nonetheless, I shall not let him be my Patroculus.” The word “patrol” comes from the word Patroculus. Whatever did Philip mean when he wrote this about Colin?
45. Did Emily kiss Colin a little more passionately on the Pont Neuf (see picture above) than she did Andrew in her drawing room? Why ever in the world is Mr. Murray in Paris – and meeting with Colin? Is Colin working for the British Museum?
46. Cécile du Lac is proving quite invaluable in Emily’s investigation. At this point in the story, were you still as suspicious of her? And why does the cat burglar keep getting brought up? Is that a MacGuffin?
Well, I got the questions done, Sandy, with 47 minutes to spare. ☺ I tried to right them so that you could answer as you felt before you knew the ending. I think I'll finish off the book tonight; so, whenever you want to post the final eight chapters' DQs, go right ahead. ☺
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Poisoned Season (other topics)The Winter Rose (other topics)
And Only to Deceive (other topics)
From gifted new writer Tasha Alexander comes a stunning novel of historical suspense set in Victorian England, meticulously researched and with a twisty plot that involves stolen antiquities, betrayal, and murder. For Emily, accepting the proposal of Philip, the Viscount Ashton, was an easy way to escape her overbearing mother, who was set on a grand society match.
So when Emily's dashing husband died on safari soon after their wedding, she felt little grief. After all, she barely knew him. Now, nearly two years later, she discovers that Philip was a far different man from the one she had married so cavalierly. His journals reveal him to have been a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector who, to her surprise, was deeply in love with his wife. Emily becomes fascinated with this new image of her dead husband and she immerses herself in all things ancient and begins to study Greek. Emily's intellectual pursuits and her desire to learn more about Philip take her to the quiet corridors of the British Museum, one of her husband's favorite places. There, amid priceless ancient statues, she uncovers a dark, dangerous secret involving stolen artifacts from the Greco-Roman galleries.
And to complicate matters, she's juggling two very prominent and wealthy suitors, one of whose intentions may go beyond the marrying kind. As she sets out to solve the crime, her search leads to more surprises about Philip and causes her to question the role in Victorian society to which she, as a woman, is relegated.
★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩★✩
We are planning a "buddy read" of this, the first in the Lady Emily series - probably in Febrary, 2012. Anyone is welcome to join in the discussion questions or just pop in to say "Hi!"
EXPECT SPOILERS!
Participants
Sandy
Leslie
Lisa Kay
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