# Lady Monk's Plan explained — Can You Forgive Her?

> Chapter companion for Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

After Lady Monk's party, Burgo Fitzgerald disappears, having failed to abduct Lady Glencora. Lady Monk, determined to see her plan succeed, devises a new scheme for Burgo to elope with Lady Glencora to Jersey and St. Malo. Burgo, though penniless and dissolute, eagerly agrees to the plan.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxvi-lady-monk-s-plan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters