Beauvallet · Chapter
V explained
Don Manuel tests Dominica's feelings about Sir Nicholas, and she feigns dislike.
What happens
Don Manuel tests Dominica's feelings about Sir Nicholas, and she feigns dislike. Dominica later questions Dangerfield about Beauvallet's plans, then plays cards with Beauvallet himself. He reveals he will land them in Spain without a fight. As they near Spain, Dominica grows anxious about the constraints of Spanish society and her father's marriage plans. She gives Beauvallet a gold ring as a token. They land secretly on the Spanish coast at night, and Beauvallet kisses her before parting, promising to return.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Dominica gives Beauvallet a ring and he kisses her on the beach, signaling a growing romantic bond.
Adventure and Risk
Beauvallet's plan to land secretly in Spain and the tense night landing highlight the daring adventure.
Cultural Clash
Dominica contrasts English freedom with Spanish constraints, dreading duennas and arranged marriage.
Characters to notice
- Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva
Feigns dislike of Beauvallet to her father, questions Dangerfield, plays cards with Beauvallet, gives him a ring, and is kissed on the beach.
- Don Manuel de Rada y Sylva
Tests Dominica's feelings, speaks of marriage plans and duennas, and is helped ashore in Spain.
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Plans to land in Spain without a fight, plays cards with Dominica, receives her ring, and kisses her before departing.
- Mr. Dangerfield
Plays cards with Dominica and is called away by Beauvallet.
Key passages
“Very ill, señor”
She says she dislikes him very much.
Dominica lies to her father about her feelings for Beauvallet.
“I am sorry that he is what he is”
Don Manuel regrets that Beauvallet is an English privateer.
Don Manuel expresses mixed feelings about Beauvallet.
“I shall not pit my skill against yours”
She refuses to continue playing cards with him.
Dominica concedes defeat in their card game.
“I've no desire to witness another fight at sea”
She does not want to see another naval battle.
Dominica expresses her fear of further conflict.
“are English ladies so hedged about, and guarded, and confined, as we poor Spaniards?”
She wonders if English women have more freedom than Spanish women.
Dominica contrasts English and Spanish customs.
“Till I come again!”
He promises to return to her.
Beauvallet's parting words to Dominica on the beach.