Victorians! discussion

"I had not the least idea who she was, but I sent in my card at a venture; and in five minutes afterward I found myself in the presence of one of the most charming women these eyes ever looked on.

"If you ever see the Elder Miss Vanstone, I venture to prophesy that, for the first time in our life, you will doubt the propriety of following your father's example."

I have to admit I groaned here. To think after all Magdalen's suffering and manipulation, Nora's sweetness might have been the solution! But then she never would have gone to them, would she? I'm so anxious to find out what happens, both with Magdalen, and with Nora.

I guess there was a bit of a lesson there. Be good and you might eventually get your heart's desire or at least things will work out for the better.

I do think that was what he was saying. I think even for Collins it was hard to reward Magdalen for her bad behavior. but he made it a point not to judge her, and that society shouldn't either. Kirke new only her good, before and after, before he learned of her bad. Her sister remained faithful. George was converted to her. Even Miss Garth utterly forgave her. So there's that message, too. Society might easily have twisted the story to blame Magdalen for Noel's death, but Collins never went there. Noel's death was the fault of his own weaknesses, which were physical and character weaknesses. Mrs. Lecount played on them, but he was happy until Magdalen went away. I think she tried to be a good wife to him as much as she could. I do sort of (aren't I wicked?) wish they had showed us more of their life together. All we know is that they lived together 'as man and wife' which implies their marriage was consummated, and that he thought she was fond of him. So, no doubt she made an effort, whether it was out of guilt or simply that she wasn't so wicked as to be cruel. I did feel sorry for Noel, but...he was weak and Magdalen was bitter. There was likely no happiness to be found there in any event.

I wonder, if it had every been brought to court, what the law would have made of Mrs. Lecount's position in comparison to Magdalen as regarded their rights in respect to Noel. It's possible even legally that Lecount would have had more legal power, as Noel had an obligation to her and Lecount had rights that Magdalen forfeited upon her marrying Noel. Interesting...

I also found it interesting that the admiral could be a beneficiary and an executor of a will. I thought the executor could have no interest in the will. Maybe that law came later?