Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
Dandy and Flirt explained
Alice Vavasor arrives at Matching Road Station and is warmly greeted by Lady Glencora Palliser, who drives her to Matching Priory in an open carriage pulled by two horses named Dandy and Flirt.
What happens
Alice Vavasor arrives at Matching Road Station and is warmly greeted by Lady Glencora Palliser, who drives her to Matching Priory in an open carriage pulled by two horses named Dandy and Flirt. During the drive, Lady Glencora speaks candidly about her marriage, her desire for freedom, and her dislike of societal constraints. She also presses Alice about her relationships with John Grey and George Vavasor, making Alice uncomfortable. The chapter explores themes of female autonomy, social class, and the burdens of wealth and marriage.
Themes in this chapter
Female Autonomy and Identity
Lady Glencora expresses a desire for freedom and independence, contrasting her constrained life with fantasies of adventure. Alice reflects on her own determination not to be forced into a marriage she fears.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Lady Glencora's wealth is described as a burden that influenced her marriage. The chapter also touches on the practicalities of running a large estate, such as the cost of a branch railway line.
Social Class and Ambition
Alice becomes aware of the privileges of belonging to Matching Priory, and the conversation about the Duke's boroughs highlights the intersection of class and politics.
Characters to notice
- Alice Vavasor
Arrives at Matching Road Station and is met by Lady Glencora. She feels overwhelmed by Lady Glencora's direct questions about her personal life and struggles to maintain her composure.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Meets Alice at the station and drives her to Matching Priory. She speaks openly about her marriage, her love of driving, and her disdain for societal expectations. She presses Alice about John Grey and George Vavasor.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Mentioned as Lady Glencora's husband, who is a public speaker in the House but is described as a non-talker in private life.
- Duke of Omnium
Mentioned as the giver of the horses Dandy and Flirt, and as a non-talker who will visit Matching Priory after Christmas.
- Duchess of St. Bungay
Appears briefly at Matching Priory, making a stiff bow to Alice and discussing the hot-water pipes at Longroyston.
Key passages
“She should never mention it to anyone, said Alice to herself. If her lot in life has not satisfied her, there is so much the more reason why she should not mention it.”
Alice resolves that Lady Glencora should keep her marital dissatisfaction private, as discussing it only emphasizes her unhappiness.
Alice reflects on Lady Glencora's confidences about her marriage.
“I do so try to be proper—and it is such trouble. Talking of people earning their bread, Alice;—I'm sure I earn mine.”
Lady Glencora jokes that maintaining propriety is hard work, comparing it to earning a living.
Lady Glencora expresses the effort required to uphold social expectations.
“What fun it would be to be sitting somewhere in Asia, eating a chicken with one's fingers, and lighting a big fire outside one's tent to keep off the lions and tigers.”
Lady Glencora fantasizes about an adventurous, unconstrained life in the wilderness.
Lady Glencora's desire for escape from her structured life.