# Family and Loyalty in The Middle Temple Murder

> Theme guide for The Middle Temple Murder by J. S. Fletcher.

Family bonds are tested through loyalty and betrayal, including the Aylmore sisters' defense of their father, Elphick's protective feelings for Cardlestone, and the revelation of Breton's true parentage.

## Where it surfaces

- [XXIII: Miss Baylis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxiii-miss-baylis): Miss Baylis's fierce hatred of Maitland contrasts with her care for his son, highlighting fractured family bonds and conflicting loyalties.
- [Revelations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxv-revelations): Jane Baylis's loyalty to her sister's child and her decision to hide him from Maitland highlight family bonds.
- [XXVI: Still Silent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxvi-still-silent): Breton's loyalty to the Aylmore family is evident as he tries to help them, while Mother Gutch betrays Jane Baylis out of spite.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/themes/family_and_loyalty
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/themes