When Nicola first meets Patrick in FC I think he is at his best, immersed in something he loves doing, no initial interest in Nicola apart from as an obliging helper and then a friendship developing out of their shared interest.
I don't think Nicola is aware she has any deeper feelings for him until Ginty in PR when it all gets painful for her. She is betrayed by him but endlessly forgiving. The submissive part didn't hit me until this time round of reading when I just wanted Nicola to be less accommodating.
Whoever said (sorry can't remember who or the exact words) that Ginty and Patrick are enjoying the romance and acting out of being 'in love' is so right. Whereas Nicola's feelings are wholly sincere and all the more painful for Patrick's unawareness.
How lovely for Patrick to have two of the Marlow girls at his beck and call, one to attend to his romantic needs, the other to help with the chores. There's no indication that he has other friends, even he and Peter have a squally relationship (sensible of Peter not to get too involved) and he seems to stand aloof from the boys at school - wonder what they think of him there, no much, I would imagine.
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timeasmymeasure
Re: Being submissive to Patrick.
Date: 2015-02-14 08:38 am (UTC)I don't think Nicola is aware she has any deeper feelings for him until Ginty in PR when it all gets painful for her. She is betrayed by him but endlessly forgiving. The submissive part didn't hit me until this time round of reading when I just wanted Nicola to be less accommodating.
Whoever said (sorry can't remember who or the exact words) that Ginty and Patrick are enjoying the romance and acting out of being 'in love' is so right. Whereas Nicola's feelings are wholly sincere and all the more painful for Patrick's unawareness.
How lovely for Patrick to have two of the Marlow girls at his beck and call, one to attend to his romantic needs, the other to help with the chores. There's no indication that he has other friends, even he and Peter have a squally relationship (sensible of Peter not to get too involved) and he seems to stand aloof from the boys at school - wonder what they think of him there, no much, I would imagine.