My first impression of Sergeant Cuff is adornment. Then he’s a stoic, commanding figure, oozing confidence in finding thieves, killers and other seedy riff-raff. Then to discover a feminine gentleness bestowed upon nature’s beauties, roses! I laughed at the imagery, but held this man in greater esteem given his comfortable masculinity. And I love his idea of grass walks around roses, it accents their beauty.
Throughout the read he maintains that commanding, intimidating presence even when verbally attacked by Lady Verinder, Franklin or Betteredge. I am thoroughly impressed with his detecting skills and process of elimination. And his reason for believing the stone was not stolen is in apart, I think, because of the lack of evidence leading towards theft, and then I believe he suspects another motive for its disappearance too.
I continue to be in awe of the Shivering Sands, and definitely an excellent plot device to my way of thinking. It’s a suitable hiding place for the stone or any other evidence for that matter.
However I don’t believe the paint smudge under the door lock was done by a petticoat or dress. It’s too narrow a focus for anything of great bulk to perform. Dresses of the period possessed yards of cloth. While the thief opens the door I can imagine a corner of a pillow case or towel creating a smear in that location easy enough.
Not even half way through the book - my layout is a WORD document - I’m further surprised by Sgt. Cuff’s announcement of who is responsible for the stone’s disappearance and the why for it. But presume there will be a twist sometime soon, as I’ve too many remaining pages to finish.
I am heart broken to read that Rosanna killed herself by drowning in the Shivering Sands. It’s a horrible way to die… drowning. It’s my greatest fear for sure, along with tiny enclosed spaces or extreme heights. It’s not the dying I fear, but the lingering and/or pain association with it. But I can’t help but wonder – did Rosanna really die there or was it a set up. This is a mystery…
As for her letter to the Mrs. Yollands, it could be a multitude of messages. If I were to believe Rosanna dead, it could be a letter of thanks for her kindness and friendship. If I were to believe the death a ruse, it could be a letter with further instructions or thanks for aiding in the ploy.
Then I’m confused by Lady Verinder’s negative reaction towards Sgt Cuff. She never struck me as someone to be bothered by anything or any body.
As proven by the following quote, Betteredge’s handling of women is not surprising given this period piece.
“I suspected what was the matter readily enough. But it is a maxim of mine that men (being superior creatures) are bound to improve women—if they can. When a woman wants me to do anything (my daughter, or not, it doesn't matter), I always insist on knowing why. The oftener you make them rummage their own minds for a reason, the more manageable you will find them in all the relations of life. It isn't their fault (poor wretches!) that they act first and think afterwards; it's the fault of the fools who humour them.” - page 95
Then our Book Discussion Leaders’ question 8:
Betteredge: "People in high life have all the luxuries to themselves--among others, the luxury of indulging their feelings." This is part of a strain that runs through the book. Have you noticed such ideas elsewhere in the book?Emotional luxuries could not be afforded by those surviving on the streets or those working class peoples. Weaknesses were a road to setback, ruin or worse, death. So “sucking up” what emotion emanates and pushing steadfastly forward kept them alive…and employed. A good example of the “stiff-upper-lip” is when Betteredge confronts Rosanna about Franklin’s rejecting her to Sergeant Cuff in the garden. page 96 of my reading:
“It doesn't matter," she answered. "I shan't trouble Mr. Franklin, to-day."
"Why not speak to my lady?" I said. "The way to relieve your mind is to speak to the merciful and Christian mistress who has always been kind to you."
She looked at me for a moment with a grave and steady attention, as if she was fixing what I said in her mind. Then she took the broom out of my hands and moved off with it slowly, a little way down the corridor.
"No," she said, going on with her sweeping, and speaking to herself; "I know a better way of relieving my mind than that."
"What is it?"
"Please to let me go on with my work."
Penelope followed her, and offered to help her.
She answered, "No. I want to do my work. Thank you, Penelope." She looked round at me. "Thank you, Mr. Betteredge."
There was no moving her—there was nothing more to be said. I signed to Penelope to come away with me. We left her, as we had found her, sweeping the corridor, like a woman in a dream.”My last curiosity is in this instance, when Sgt Cuff makes three predictions, I strongly suspect Rachel’s true purpose is handing the stone over to the 3 Indians. To rid her family of the curse, but to return property that rightfully belongs to India.
"First," said the Sergeant, "you will hear something from the Yollands—when the postman delivers Rosanna's letter at Cobb's Hole, on Monday next." […] "In the second place," proceeded the Sergeant, "you will hear of the three Indians again. You will hear of them in the neighbourhood, if Miss Rachel remains in the neighbourhood. You will hear of them in London, if Miss Rachel goes to London." […] "Third, and last," said Sergeant Cuff, "you will, sooner or later, hear something of that money-lender in London, whom I have twice taken the liberty of mentioning already. Give me your pocket-book, and I'll make a note for you of his name and address—so that there may be no mistake about it if the thing really happens."
