Part 21 (1/2)

Some of the answers will be found in book 4: A Death in the Wedding Party.

7 A Death in the Highlands.

Book Club Questions for Discussion.

1. How would you describe Bertram and Euphemia's relations.h.i.+p at the start of the book?

2. What do you think of Merrit's sudden relations.h.i.+p with Merry? Do you think like Euphemia that falling in love takes time? Or do you agree with Rory that in their situation they should grab their chance at happiness?

3. In 1910 masters and mistresses had a great deal of control over their servants. It was always possible for a servant to leave employment, but it wasn't easy to find work and without a character reference from a previous employer near to impossible. Richard Stapleford is the worst of employers. How do you think he justifies his behaviour to himself?

4. Do you think Bertram is a good employer? What are his faults?

5. What do you feel about Beatrice Wilton? Do you sympathise with her situation a poor health and thwarted ambition? Try to find reasons for your att.i.tude in the text.

6. Why does Mrs Wilson dislike Euphemia so much? What emotions are at play there? Bear in mind Mrs Wilson's own story.

7. Do you think Euphemia made a good decision in going to White Orchards?

8. Do you think Beatrice's death was natural?

9. Do you think the criteria for being inst.i.tutionalised (or sectioned) today have changed from 1910?

10. From 1850 to 1910 there were an astounding number of asylums in the UK. Why do you think that was?

11. At one point Euphemia thinks this crime is full of coincidence, but is it? Take another look and think if there is a more nefarious explanation.