# Letter 218: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford about a letter from Lord M. consenting to his marriage and offering financial support, which he hides from Clarissa. He describes a pleasant carriage ride with her where they discuss their future life, including servants, church attendance, and marriage settlements. Lovelace reveals his internal conflict between admiration for Clarissa's virtue and his libertine inclinations, while Mrs. Sinclair and the nymphs urge him to take advantage of her trust. He also mentions receiving the marriage settlement drafts and his ongoing deception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace hides Lord M.'s letter, plans to forge a reply, and presents a false front of respectability to Clarissa while plotting with Mrs. Sinclair.

### Libertinism and Morality

Lovelace struggles between his libertine impulses and his growing admiration for Clarissa's virtue, reflecting on the conflict between his desires and moral reform.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace manipulates Clarissa's trust, controls information, and considers using violence, while Mrs. Sinclair and the nymphs encourage him to exploit her confidence.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Narrates the letter, expressing admiration for Clarissa's virtue while plotting deception and considering violence.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Shown as gentle, serene, and virtuous during the carriage ride; discusses future domestic life and expresses hope for reconciliation.

### John Belford

Recipient of the letter; Lovelace addresses him directly and shares his inner thoughts.

### Lord M.

Sent a letter consenting to Lovelace's marriage and offering financial settlement, but Lovelace hides it from Clarissa.

### Joseph Leman

Mentioned as the informant from the Harlowe family; Clarissa requests he not be a servant in their household.

### Hannah Burton

Clarissa expresses her desire to have Hannah as her servant, whether recovered or not.

## Key lines

> I have a letter from Lord M. Such a one as I would wish for, if I intended matrimony. But as matters are circumstanced, I cannot think of showing it to my beloved.

Lovelace receives a favorable letter from Lord M. about marriage but decides to hide it from Clarissa because he does not truly intend to marry her.

_Reveals Lovelace's duplicity and his ongoing deception regarding his intentions._

> Upon the whole, my charmer was all gentleness, all ease, all serenity, throughout this sweet excursion.

Clarissa was completely calm and happy during their carriage ride together.

_Highlights Clarissa's trusting and virtuous demeanor, contrasting with Lovelace's scheming._

> My heart, my heart, Belford, is not to be trusted

Lovelace admits to Belford that he cannot trust his own feelings, indicating internal conflict.

_Shows Lovelace's self-awareness and the tension between his admiration for Clarissa and his libertine nature._

## Links

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