The Clever Woman of the Family · Chapter
The Fox and the Crow explained
Rachel learns from her mother that Colonel Keith has confessed his long attachment to Ermine Williams, and that he has bought a house to be near her.
What happens
Rachel learns from her mother that Colonel Keith has confessed his long attachment to Ermine Williams, and that he has bought a house to be near her. Rachel defends their relationship, admiring both for their constancy and unselfishness. Later, Rachel meets Captain Keith and Bessie, who reveal the full story of Colin and Ermine's romance, including the family opposition and Ermine's scruples. Rachel also discusses with Mr. Mauleverer the possibility of repurposing the Barnaby's Bargain endowment to fund the F.U.E.E., and she resolves to share the news with Ermine.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it compresses the emotional and psychological peak of the entire novel int…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Female Agency and the Search for a Mission
Rachel's determination to reform the Barnaby's Bargain charity and her active role in managing the F.U.E.E. highlight her agency and mission.
- Deception and the Perils of Naivety
The revelation of Colin and Ermine's secret romance exposes the naivety of Rachel and her mother, who had misjudged the situation.
- Marriage as Moral and Intellectual Partnership
Rachel's admiration for Colin and Ermine's relationship emphasizes the ideal of marriage based on mutual respect and constancy.
- The Complexities of Social Reform and Charity
Rachel's efforts to repurpose the Barnaby's Bargain endowment illustrate the challenges and opportunities in reforming charitable institutions.
Characters to notice
- Rachel Curtis
Defends Ermine and Colin's relationship, feels self-righteous, and plans to reform the Barnaby's Bargain charity.
- Mrs. Curtis
Relieved to learn Rachel knew about Colonel Keith's attachment, but critical of the secrecy.
- Alick Keith
Accompanies Rachel to Mackarel Lane, reveals the story of Colin and Ermine, and shows sympathy for their situation.
- Bessie Keith
Lightheartedly reveals the romance of Colin and Ermine, showing her knowledge of family secrets.
- Ermine Williams
The object of Colin's devotion, admired by Rachel for her bravery and unselfishness.
- Mr. Mauleverer
Discusses with Rachel the possibility of altering the Barnaby's Bargain endowment to benefit the F.U.E.E.
Key passages
“I have the greatest possible admiration for Ermine Williams, and I do not know which I esteem most, her for her brave, cheerful, unrepining unselfishness, or him for his constancy and superiority to all those trumpery considerations.”
Rachel expresses deep respect for Ermine's courage and selflessness, and for Colin's unwavering loyalty, valuing their relationship above trivial concerns.
Rachel's defense of the couple highlights her own values and moral compass.
“If I could only make the Barnaby bargain available; it is cruel to have it tied up to mere apprenticeships, which in the present state of things are absolutely useless, or worse.”
Rachel laments that the charity's funds are restricted to apprenticeships that are no longer beneficial, wishing she could redirect them to more useful purposes.
This reflects Rachel's desire for social reform and her frustration with outdated charitable practices.
