No, Mary's actions following the killing of her husband, Patrick, strongly indicate a clear absence of regret or remorse.
Her behavior immediately shifts from the initial shock of the moment to a methodical and calculated effort to conceal her crime and avoid detection. This proactive and deliberate approach to covering her tracks suggests a lack of emotional distress or guilt over the deed itself.
Indicators of Mary's Lack of Remorse
Mary's post-act behavior is characterized by a strategic focus on self-preservation rather than any emotional outpouring of sorrow or regret. Key aspects of her conduct include:
- Systematic Cover-Up: She meticulously sets about cleaning up the crime scene and disposing of the murder weapon. This careful, step-by-step process demonstrates a rational thought process aimed at evading consequences, rather than a mind consumed by guilt.
- Establishing an Alibi: Mary calmly and thoughtfully constructs a believable alibi, engaging with outside individuals to establish a timeline that would deflect suspicion. This deliberate planning is inconsistent with someone experiencing profound regret.
- Composed Demeanor: Her ability to maintain composure and interact calmly with the police, even going so far as to offer them the very evidence of her crime (the cooked leg of lamb), highlights a chilling detachment from the gravity of her actions. This calculated coolness is a stark contrast to typical expressions of remorse.
Her subsequent actions are driven by pragmatism and a desire to survive, rather than any emotional burden or regret for what she has done.
