A Bride of a Summer’s Day · Chapter
XI explained
Clive Redway, in Paris, receives a letter from his father revealing that Captain Sefton Culvers has attempted to borrow money against his wife Ida's fortune, claiming reconciliation is impossible.
What happens
Clive Redway, in Paris, receives a letter from his father revealing that Captain Sefton Culvers has attempted to borrow money against his wife Ida's fortune, claiming reconciliation is impossible. The letter also notes that Culvers resides at 15, Rue Vervien, a house of ill repute. Shortly after, Clive receives a telegram from Juliet stating that Ida's brooch has been found in Paris and that Lord Culvers is crossing to meet him. Consumed by hatred and suspicion, Clive imagines that Culvers has murdered Ida to inherit her fortune, and he contemplates taking revenge by killing him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Jealousy
Clive's hatred of Captain Culvers is fueled by his unrequited love for Ida and jealousy of her husband, leading to violent fantasies.
Truth and Deception
The letter from Mr. Redway reveals Captain Culvers's deceptive attempts to secure a loan, while Clive's suspicions lead him to imagine a darker truth.
Class and Social Mobility
Captain Culvers is portrayed as a man of showy accomplishments but low moral character, using marriage to gain access to Ida's fortune.
Characters to notice
- Clive Redway
In Paris, receives his father's letter and Juliet's telegram; consumed by fury and suspicion, contemplates murdering Captain Culvers.
- Mr. Redway
Writes to Clive with news of Captain Culvers's loan inquiry and his belief that Ida is safe and in Paris.
- Juliet Culvers
Sends a telegram to Clive announcing the brooch's discovery in Paris and Lord Culvers's imminent arrival.
- Captain Sefton Culvers
Revealed to be residing at 15, Rue Vervien, and attempting to raise money on Ida's fortune; suspected by Clive of foul play.
- Ida Culvers
Her brooch is found in Paris; Clive recalls her as a vibrant girl, now feared dead at her husband's hands.
Key passages
“His mood of fury did not soon spend itself. While it lasted, his revenge, or, as he phrased it, “the act of retributive justice,” seemed to him sweeter than anything else life could offer him; sweeter far than would be the discovery of Ida and her possible reconciliation to her husband.”
Clive's rage persisted, and the thought of revenge felt more satisfying than finding Ida alive or reconciling with her husband.
Clive's emotional turmoil and desire for vengeance.
“The finding of the brooch in Paris no doubt confirmed Mr. Redway’s surmise that Ida had been in Paris, and in communication with her husband; but to Clive’s way of thinking did not give the slightest support to his conjecture that, “wherever she might be she was safe and well.””
While the brooch's discovery supports the idea that Ida was in Paris and in contact with her husband, Clive does not believe she is safe.
Clive's suspicion that Ida is in danger.