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Polly and John got Married
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George was Born
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John and Alex Steal Money
This act ruined the reputation of the Wilson family name
John lost the respect of his peers and his wife's family
The actions were wrong,John was doing this to keep his family out of financial troubles
The scandal of stealing money from his in-laws caused John to move to Canada
We care because we learn that he is willing to do extreme things for the people he cares about
"Alex's stealing money from a trusting old man was seen as despicable, as was Jack's taking money from his wife's family." (9) -
John Flees to Saskatoon
John runs to Saskatoon to get away from the Scandal in Scotland.
He leaves behind his and his pregnant wife.
At this time he still cares very deeply about both of them and intends on returning.
We care about this because it is the first time we see John running away from his problems.
"Promise Archie, that you will look after Polly and be good to her for my sake." (10) -
WWI Begins
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John is rejected from the army
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John Becomes a Member of the Royal North West Mounted Police
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John Wilson is posted in Blaine Lake
This is where John meets Polly for the first time.
He begins to form a new life in this new community.
This is were he, in his own mind, detaches himself to Polly, his kids and his old life.
We care about this because it shows that John is deranged individual.
"In the town of Blaine Lake, everyone noticed the new police man who arrived in the July 1915." (23) -
John meets Jessie Patterson
John quickly grew feelings for this young lady.
Upon spending time together she grew feelings for this handsome, uniformed officer.
John didn't face much of inner conflict quickly decided to forget about his wife and pursue Jessie.
We care about this because meeting Jessie Patterson is the reason John killed his wife.
"... and there he met Jessie Patterson, a willowy sixteen year old with a lovely high cheekbone face and thick brown hair." (25) -
Helen was born
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John is diagnosed with Tuberculosis
During this time Jessie proves that she has more than a childish crush on John.
He is no longer the confident respectable man that he was before and she still stayed by his side the whole time.
During this time John start to think about marrying this girl.
We care about this because it brought the two closer together than ever before.
"Yes. Ninety nine percent positive it's tuberculosis." (32) -
John and Jack celebrate 10th wedding anniversary away from each other
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Polly leaves to Canada to find John
This is a brave decision for Polly going against the will of her family searching out for her husband.
Her family believed that if John wanted to be reunited with her he would've come back to Scotland by now.
Polly leaves behind her two kids with no idea of when she would ever see them again.
We care about this because it proves that Polly is still in love with John.
"I must to Canada and look for Jack." (36) -
Polly and John meet in Canada
This is an extremely awkward encounter but Polly doesn't sense that because she is overjoyed to see John.
This is the first time in over a decade that these two have seen each other.
It is a very stressful time for John because he has a new life in Blaine Lake where he has told many lies about Polly.
We care because this is the start of stressful and depressing time for Polly.
"And suddenly he was there. Not in uniform as she'd imagined...and pale and thin enough to break her heart." (50) -
Polly and John move to Saskatoon
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Polly gets pregnant for a third time
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Polly discovers the secret letters
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Polly is murdered in cold blood
John has shown that he has questionable morals throughout the novel but this takes it to a new level.
He shows a true dedication to Jessie through this terrible act of killing his pregnant wife.
This is the climax of the first book of the novel.
We care about this because we see the true monster that is John Wilson.
"At the loud explosion the good, generous heart of Polly Wilson stopped beating." (79) -
John burns down the car
This is another example of John's scheming at work.
I believe that he has started to become addicted for the lies that he's living.
Despite his story not all of his peers are convinced by it.
We care about this because he has proven that he will do anything it takes to get what he wants.
"...Driving his car on the trail not stopping far from the burning car." (83) -
Jesse and John are Married
This is an extreme turn around from the events that happened the days before.
This is the goal that all of John's terrible acts were working towards.
With this marriage and the murder he officially ended his connections to Scotland.
We care because we've seen the true colours of John Wilson and how he he can turn on the people he holds dearest to him.
"At the lines 'Till death do us part', Wilson gave his bride a particularly soulful look." (87)
