The Wyvern Mystery · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Wyvern Mystery by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

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Chapter 1
Alice Maybell
Alice Maybell bids farewell to her aunt, Lady Wyndale, at Oulton before returning to Wyvern. Their conversation touches on Lord Tremaine's interest in Alice, the Fairfield family, and Alice's unspoken troubles. Despite her aunt's reassurances, Alice hints at unhappiness at Wyvern, leaving Lady Wyndale concerned.
Chapter 2
II: The Vale of Carwell
Alice Maybell, traveling with her nurse Dulcibella, diverts their chaise to Carwell Grange under a veil of secrecy, encountering a mysterious woman in a carriage along the dark, narrow road.
Chapter 3
III: The Grange
Alice Maybell travels to Carwell Grange, encountering a mysterious veiled woman who blocks her path and inquires about her destination. Upon arrival, she meets the caretaker Mrs. Tarnley, who shows her a letter that causes her distress. After reading it, Alice weeps silently, leaves money for the old woman, and returns to Wyvern with her companion Dulcibella.
Chapter 4
IV: The Old Squire and Alice Maybell
This chapter introduces Wyvern, the ancestral home of the Fairfield family, and its aging, grim master, Old Squire Henry Fairfield. It describes his two disappointing sons, Charles and Henry, and his bitter, isolated old age. The narrative then recounts the story of Alice Maybell, an orphaned child of the late vicar, whom the Squire reluctantly took into his home after a moment of unexpected tenderness, and who has lived at Wyvern for twenty years.
Chapter 5
V: The Terrace Garden
Alice Maybell, now a pretty but lonely young woman, is rumored in Wyvern to be in love with the old Squire or his estate. The Squire confronts his servant Tom about gossip, then finds Alice crying in the terrace garden. He speaks kindly to her, hinting at a future where she will not have to leave Wyvern, and promises to take care of her, leaving Alice confused about his intentions.

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Alice Maybell

II: The Vale of Carwell

III: The Grange

IV: The Old Squire and Alice Maybell

V: The Terrace Garden