She'd fought the illness and come back stronger, done that by herself, and this was far more important.
-- The Narrator from Lorna's Perspective (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote appears after Lorna says she would fight for Thomas at the beginning of the narrative as Lorna prepares to go out with him. The quote is significant because it provides a clue regarding the motive for her murder. It shows that she is in the midst of a fight for Thomas and since she thinks this as she goes out, it implies that she is going out for this reason. Thus, the motive for her murder is related to who has custody of Thomas.The quote also characterizes Lorna as a loving mother. Thomas is more important than her life. Thus, she would do anything, even sacrifice her own life, for Thomas.This is what she does.

That branch of the clan used politeness as a weapon of mass destruction...
-- The Narrator from Vera's Perspective (chapter 2)