told her she should stay in the kitchen making scones where she belonged, and not to go drinking with boys.

...

[She got a] five-litre container of petrol from her garage, and poured it on Mr Loader before waving around her lighter.

Mr Loader said, "Go on, do it," before Walpole set him on fire.

I won't condone it but I'm not going to outright condemn it either