Cranford

Mrs Forrester’s French Spy Conspiracy Theory

Mrs Forrester, whose father served under General Burgoyne and whose husband fought in Spain, becomes convinced that the French are behind the crimes. She argues that Cranford residents are too respectable to be dishonest, so the culprits must be foreigners—most likely French spies. She points to Signor Brunoni’s broken English and turban, noting that Madame de Staël also wore turbans, as proof that he is a French spy scouting England’s defenses.

Miss Pole’s Frightened Refuge at Miss Matty’s Home

Miss Pole, who had previously affected great bravery, arrives at Miss Matty’s home in great agitation with a basket of her silver plate. Frightened by two suspicious men passing her house and an Irish beggar-woman who nearly forced her way in, she begs to spend the night at Miss Matty’s. Betty is sent to stay with her cousin at the George Inn, and the narrator gives up her room to accommodate the terrified guest.

Rumors of Stealthy Burglaries in Mardon

Reports circulate that houses and shops in Mardon, a small town about eight miles from Cranford, have been broken into through holes silently made in the walls. The bricks are carried away in the dead of night with no sound heard. Miss Matty despairs, wondering what use locks and bolts can be against such tricks, and begins to believe Signor Brunoni is behind the crimes.

Attempted Break-In at Mrs Jamieson’s Residence

Mrs Jamieson’s house is targeted, with men’s footsteps visible on the flower borders beneath the kitchen windows. Lady Glenmire and Mrs Jamieson rouse Mr Mulliner, who locks his door against draughts but valiantly calls out from his window offering to fight the robbers. Mrs Jamieson insists on staying up to watch and falls asleep on the sofa, while Lady Glenmire keeps watch through the night.