# Marriage and Deception in Murder by the Clock

> Theme guide for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.

The Endicotts' marriage is built on lies, manipulation, and unspoken resentments, with Mrs. Endicott admitting she and her husband never had a direct question or answer between them, and her using forgery to control his affections.

## Where it surfaces

- [I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/i-8-37-p-m-spring-3100): The chapter hints at marital discord, with Herbert's affair and Mrs. Endicott's hidden concerns about their relationship.
- [IV: 10:02 p.m.—Pale Flares the Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/iv-10-02-p-m-pale-flares-the-darkness): Mrs. Endicott and her husband maintain a relationship built on lies and unspoken truths, as she admits to wishing to kill him while loving him.
- [V: 10:17 p.m.—Living or Dead?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/v-10-17-p-m-living-or-dead): The conversation reveals a marriage filled with emotional distance and deception, from Herbert's mocking goodbye to Mrs. Endicott's secret tea appointment and her veiled accusations.
- [XXVIII: 6:00 a.m.—Mist Drifting Through Mist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxviii-6-00-a-m-mist-drifting-through-mist): Mrs. Endicott's marriage is built on lies, including her forgery to turn Herbert against Marge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/themes/marriage_and_deception
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/themes