Lady Monk's Plan explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Betrayal and Forgiveness

  Lady Monk conspires to betray Mr. Palliser by aiding Burgo's abduction of Lady Glencora.

• Wealth and Financial Dependence

  Burgo's poverty and reliance on his aunt's money drive the plot; he spends lavishly on preparations despite being penniless.

• Duty vs. Desire

  Lady Glencora's potential elopement contrasts with her duty as Mr. Palliser's wife; Burgo's desire for wealth and status conflicts with social obligations.

Characters to notice

• Burgo Fitzgerald

  Disappears after the party, abandons his planned elopement, and later conspires with his aunt to abduct Lady Glencora.

• Lady Monk

  Plans the failed abduction and then devises a new scheme for Burgo to elope with Lady Glencora.

• Lady Glencora Palliser

  Target of Lady Monk's plan; Burgo had prepared to abduct her after the party.

• Plantagenet Palliser

  Mentioned as having retrieved Lady Glencora's scarf at the party, foiling Burgo's initial attempt.

• Sir Cosmo Monk

  Lady Monk's husband; objects to Burgo staying in the house and refuses to have him at Monkshade.

Key passages

• “The poor fool, acting upon his aunt’s implied advice rather than his own hopes, had secured a post-chaise, and stationed it in Bruton Street, some five minutes’ walk from his aunt’s house.”

  Burgo, following his aunt's suggestion, had arranged a hired carriage nearby for the planned elopement.

  Highlights Burgo's passive role in the scheme.

• “After this, Burgo left his aunt, and went away to his club, in a state of most happy excitement.”

  Burgo departed from his aunt's house feeling elated and went to his club.

  Shows Burgo's emotional response to the new plan.