Summary

In Chapter 22, “The Truth: My Longest Chapter,” Archie already knew who General Blessington was, because he was a decorated member of the British armed forces. When Bella returned home, Archie had found his biography in Baxter’s library, which he assumed Baxter used to prepare for the day “the past [came] calling unexpectedly” (207).

Blessington and his cohort joined Archie, Baxter, and Bella in Baxter’s study. Blessington and Hattersley reiterated that Bella was Victoria Blessington and thus could not marry Archie because she was married to Blessington. They had learned of her whereabouts from Wedderburn, who the General’s lawyer reminded everyone was now “incarcerated in . . . Glasgow Royal Lunatic Asylum” (211). The inspector then shared his findings regarding Victoria’s story. He had deduced that Victoria had attempted suicide by jumping into the Clyde, after which Geddes found her and Baxter resuscitated her.

Blessington...