Beauvallet · Chapter
XXV explained
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet successfully escapes from Spain with Doña Dominica, traveling across rough terrain to reach a port and board the Venture.
What happens
Sir Nicholas Beauvallet successfully escapes from Spain with Doña Dominica, traveling across rough terrain to reach a port and board the Venture. Despite exhaustion and danger, they press on, and Dominica proves her mettle, earning praise from Joshua. The chapter ends with Beauvallet arranging for a parson to marry them aboard the ship.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Risk
The entire chapter is a high-stakes escape involving a dangerous overland journey and a nighttime sea departure.
Love and Romance
Beauvallet and Dominica's bond deepens as he protects her and arranges their marriage, with tender moments amid the peril.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Joshua's steadfast loyalty to Beauvallet is evident as he frets over their safety and aids the escape.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nicholas Beauvallet
Leads the escape, reassures Dominica, and arranges for their marriage aboard the Venture.
- Doña Dominica de Rada y Sylva
Exhausted but determined, she rides hard and shows courage, earning admiration for her spirit.
- Joshua Dimmock
Frets about the pace and the danger, but admires Dominica's endurance and helps with the lantern.
- Richard Dangerfield
Speaks bashfully to Dominica in the boat, welcoming her aboard.
- Master Dawson
Anxiously calls out from the Venture to confirm the General's safe return.
Key passages
“Safe now, fondling.”
You are safe now, my dear.
Beauvallet reassures Dominica as they escape by boat.
“I shall very shortly be one, Señor Pirate, shall I not?”
I will soon be an Englishwoman, won't I, Sir Pirate?
Dominica playfully acknowledges her impending marriage to Beauvallet.
“You may marry me, Master Parson.”
I want you to perform our wedding ceremony.
Beauvallet instructs the parson to marry him and Dominica aboard the ship.