The earldom that Michael Stirling inherits when his cousin and best friend John Stirling dies becomes the measure of his guilt. Every privilege he gains is directly inspired by his cousin’s death, causing Michael to fear that he unconsciously willed John’s death to earn his title, properties, and, worst of all, his wife, Francesca. Michael’s flight to India almost immediately after John’s death (and subsequent four years away) underscores his fear of assuming his cousin’s title unjustly. Further, his refusal to use John’s belongings following his return to England conveys his continued anxieties over usurping John’s position and stealing his life. When Reivers, Michael’s valet, helps Michael remove a pair of boots that are from the previous earl’s wardrobe, Michael’s reaction is immediate: “I would prefer not to use any items from the previous earl’s wardrobe” (109). He has the boots removed and packed away, even as his own trunks remain unloaded. This behavior is a manifestation of Michael’s guilt and shame and reifies his terror of accepting honors that don’t rightfully belong to him.

The Kilmartin title shapes the logistical and circumstantial aspects of Michael’s life, too. He avoids taking up residence at Kilmartin House for over a month after Francesca miscarries, telling himself that he’s not ready; yet the narration reveals what is really at stake: “She was still there, and she was still the Countess of Kilmartin, and even if he was the earl, with no questions attached to the title, she wouldn’t be his countess” (44). Even if Michael were to accept his new position, he’s reluctant to do so if he can’t be with Francesca or if doing so would jeopardize her in any way. Amid his later conversation with Colin about marriage, Michael realizes that Francesca is “the only thing left of John’s that he hadn’t made his own” (199). The title encompasses all that Michael has feared taking from his late cousin; his grief manifests as his resistance to enjoy these assets even after rightfully inheriting them.