Victorians! discussion

Left by herself, Magdalen allowed the anger which she had suppressed in Mrs. Lecount's presence to break free from her. For want of a nobler object to attack, it took the direction of the toad. The sight of the hideous little reptile sitting placid on his rock throne, with is bright eyes staring impenetrably into vacancy, irritated every nerve in her body. ... 'I wonder whose blood runs coldest," she said, "yours, you little monster, or Mrs. Lecount's? I wonder which is the slimiest, her heart or your back?"

I am about to start this part.

Started it last night and couldn't stop till I'd finished. I'm eagerly awaiting further commentary before I say anything.

I forgot the quote! I'll add that in a bit when I get the kids off to school. Back in a few!

Quote added.

I love it....got to love that Magdalen....she does not hold back...

So very interesting how the women characters seem so much smarter than the men, at least Magdalen and Mrs. LeCount. They both are perceptive and Mrs L seems like she will shape up to be a notable enemy.

Magdalen surely has thought and started a plan into motion. I am not quite sure though why Mrs. L cut a piece of fabric from Magdalen's petticoat though. Mrs L is sly, manipulative, and what a fear to be a very savvy adversary.

Noel, on the other hand seems like a slug, easily manipulated, although addicted to his money. Perhaps a fool and his money will soon be parted in this tale.

That's an interesting observation about the women. I find Collins very kind toward women. I like that about him. George Meredith was the same. He wrote really strong females. In fact if his books were published now, he'd probably be criticised for writing anachronistically strong women.

I think Mrs. L knows it's Magdalen, and knowing she had no money, and that they are likely to see her again, means to prove it was her dress she wore. That does seem like a far reaching supposition, now I say it aloud, though. Or write it aloud? Eh? *shakes head* Anyway, she must mean to prove her one way or another. It makes me a little nervous.

Noel interests me. He's not his own person, which will make for some interesting plot advancements, I think. I can see the guy who would play him, too. Did you see Edwin Drood? Freddi Fox, that's the guy who would play Noel. I think he's simply spoiled. He sees the injustice, but it's all on his side as is the law, so why deny himself what's rightfully his?

I'm excited to see what comes next with him and Magdalen. (I keep spelling her name wrong.)

Sounds like a reasonable explanation of the dress issue. I am having a time with here name too! I am constantly retyping it.

Noel has been well taught by his father, to be a tightwad and to think he is entitled to what he has. He needs to be brought down a peg or two and I think the team of Magdalen and the captain might just be the ones to do it.

I do hope so!

Noel is pretty despicable, kind of like the embodiment of the law itself. He is weak, jealous, and unjust. He is so whiny, I hope he gets whats (I feel) is coming to him.

Magdalen needs to get a hold of herself. SHe really needs a better plan, and she needs to realize the limits of her own abilities. I sense a large amount of self-destruction coming. I dont think she is as clever as she thinks she is, because she is rash and cant seem to control herself.

Still so far this is my favorite Wilkie Collins. Im really enjoying it. I cant tell whats going to happen at all. The dress scrap, Capt Wragge's random motives, Magdalens ill formed plan, and Norahs poor situation.

My favorite one too, Becky.

V.r. I'm like you ... couldn't stop this section until done. Mrs. Lecount seems very cold. Perfect quote for this section. The part where she felt Noels heart was disturbing as it showed her true character.