The Christie Affair

Mary Clare commiserates with Nan over being English in a tense political environment. She says that she and Father Joseph have a special connection because of her heritage, which becomes important later on. Nan discovers her escape route from the convent and grows healthy under Mary Clare’s attention. These acts of kindness again work to set Nan up for her fall, but they are artfully arranged so that the reader can begin to see the malice lurking beneath them.

The narrative briefly discusses Agatha’s affection for Teddy; she gave her a special toy to keep her company while her parents are away traveling: “As long as you hold him, my love is always with you. Whenever you hug him, I’m hugging you back” (239). However, the text goes on to say that Agatha’s dog is usually brought with her on her travels, while her child stays behind. This dynamic may be a shock to contemporary readers and a possible hint about Teddy and Agatha’s true connection.

Tensions escalate between Thompson and Archie, who is losing control of the situation and himself. Here he interacts with his mother for the first time—another mother and child relationship in the web of them considered throughout the novel. She is clearly very protective of Archie and thinks highly of him; however, she entertains the idea that Agatha’s disappearance may be Archie’s fault. She has both a mother’s love and a woman’s insight regarding her son.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Agatha and Chilton develops organically, the kind Agatha prefers—she goes on to say how she dislikes instant romances in novels. Comparing her loves for Archie and Chilton, it would seem the latter is the one best suited to her personality. At the Timeless Manor, Chilton and Agatha arrive, startling Nan. And then the impossible happens: They reach an unspoken agreement of solidarity and play tennis together. This moment underscores the magical, reality-bent qualities of the Timeless Manor as they would remember it for years to come.