Inheritance and Greed

The plot revolves around the Fordingbridge estate and the power of attorney, with multiple characters motivated by the prospect of inheriting property and wealth, leading to murder, theft, and deception.

Paul Fordingbridge's management of Derek's estate and his plan to let Foxhills highlights tensions over property and inheritance.

The theft of silver items from Foxhills, though of modest value, hints at greed and the disruption of family property.

Wendover considers that Paul Fordingbridge might be eliminating heirs to inherit the estate, highlighting the theme of inheritance-driven motives.

Derek Fordingbridge's plot to marry Cressida is explicitly motivated by the desire to control the family inheritance.