Day 17 Night Music

 Isabel and her children continue to struggle with their lives at the Spanish House. Isabel, in particular, is putting in a great deal of effort to adjust to a more domesticated lifestyle, though her efforts often feel frustrating and futile. Fortunately, not everyone is blind to her perseverance—some have begun to recognize her determination and offer assistance. At the same time, Isabel has made difficult decisions that reveal her growing inner strength.

One such decision involves her cherished violin, a valuable and rare instrument—one of the last gifts from her late husband. In moments of frustration, Isabel often retreats to one of the upper floors at night to play it, using music as an emotional outlet. Her daughter Kitty eventually discovers that Isabel could have sold the violin earlier, which might have spared the family from having to move to the Spanish House in the first place. Kitty, overwhelmed by emotion, voices her resentment.

In response, Isabel makes the painful choice to sell the violin after all—a symbolic act of letting go of her husband's memory. She informs her children of her decision and tells them they could return to London. However, this news is met with unexpected resistance, particularly from Kitty, who fears that her mother will hate her for having influenced the decision.

Among the few allies Isabel finds in the village is Byron Firth, a quiet and capable local handyman who often works with Matt McCarthy. Although born and raised in the area, Byron is still viewed by many as an outsider due to his unconventional demeanor. He does not conform to social expectations, which causes others to underestimate him. Despite his low profile, Byron's presence becomes a stabilizing force for the family, especially for Isabel’s son, Thierry, who begins to see him as a mentor.

Byron’s character carries echoes of Jane Austen’s literary influence—Moyes’s clear inspiration. Like many of Austen’s romantic figures, Byron is not driven by personal gain or selfish motives. He is respectful toward Isabel and her family, offering genuine help without expecting anything in return. His quiet kindness helps the family survive until they are able to stand on their own.

Over the months at the Spanish House, Isabel gains many practical skills. She begins advertising violin lessons, hoping to turn her talent into a source of income—but so far, no one has shown interest. She remains a “fish out of water,” a vulnerability that Matt McCarthy is quick to exploit. A manipulative and self-serving man, McCarthy is deliberately undermining Isabel, hoping to make her dependent on him. His ultimate goal is to pressure her into relinquishing the Spanish House to him.

His wife, Laura, is aware of his infidelity but unaware of who he’s involved with. Matt gaslights her, deepening her distress and paranoia. He epitomizes the trope of the man who believes he can do as he pleases simply because he’s seen as the respectable neighbor. However, much of the town sees through his façade.

The male couple who run the local market, for example, have keen insights into McCarthy’s true nature. They’ve observed his growing obsession with the Spanish House and are increasingly concerned for Isabel and her children. Beneath the surface of charm and community respectability, they see a man driven by entitlement and manipulation.