Misdirection and Misunderstandings

Misdirection is a theme of this novel because it is the one thing that keeps Whitney and Clayton from coming together sooner than they do. Clayton begins this theme by refusing to allow Whitney to know either who he is or that they are betrothed. Clayton is fascinated by Whitney and believes she will make him a good wife and a wonderful mother to his future children. However, Clayton does not believe in love and does not fancy himself in love with Whitney. Clayton handles this engagement as a business arrangement, paying Whitney's father for the pleasure of becoming her husband. Clayton does not want Whitney to know about this arrangement or the truth about his title because he wants Whitney to come to the marriage willingly. Clayton believes that if Whitney knows the truth about their arrangement, she will refuse to marry him, bringing embarrassment...