# XXIII: Isabel's Petition explained — Cousin Henry > Chapter companion for Cousin Henry by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens The news of the discovered will spreads through Carmarthen, clearing Isabel Brodrick as the true heiress of Llanfeare and ending the trial. Mr. Apjohn is celebrated for finding the will, while Cousin Henry is vilified. Mr. Brodrick discusses costs with Mr. Apjohn, who brushes off concerns. Isabel, now triumphant, resolves to overcome Mr. Owen's pride and visits him alone, boldly asking him to embrace her and declaring her love, leading to their reconciliation and engagement. ## Themes in this chapter ### Inheritance and Primogeniture The discovery of the will resolves the inheritance dispute, with Isabel becoming the rightful heiress of Llanfeare, highlighting the centrality of property and lineage. ### Pride and Self-Sacrifice Isabel overcomes her own pride and Mr. Owen's pride by boldly visiting him and proposing, sacrificing conventional decorum for love. ### Love and Marriage The chapter culminates in Isabel and Mr. Owen's reconciliation and engagement, emphasizing love triumphing over obstacles. ## Character check-ins ### Isabel Brodrick Isabel is declared the heiress of Llanfeare after the will is found. She feels triumph but also reflects on her past hardships. She takes the initiative to visit Mr. Owen and proposes to him, overcoming his reluctance. ### Cousin Henry Cousin Henry is the 'unhappy pseudo-proprietor' who acknowledged Isabel as heiress. He is vilified in Carmarthen, with public opinion believing he hid the will. ### Mr. Apjohn Mr. Apjohn is the hero of the hour for finding the will. He dismisses concerns about legal costs, expressing his pleasure in the matter. ### Mr. Brodrick Mr. Brodrick, Isabel's father, discusses the costs of the trial with Mr. Apjohn and later tells Mr. Owen the news about Isabel's inheritance. ### Mr. Owen Mr. Owen initially resists Isabel's advances due to pride, but eventually embraces her and agrees to marry her after her bold petition. ### Mrs. Brodrick Mrs. Brodrick becomes gracious toward Isabel after learning of her inheritance, noting the difference it makes. ## Key lines > The news was soon all about Carmarthen. A new will had been found, in accordance with which Miss Brodrick was to become owner of Llanfeare, and—which was of more importance to Carmarthen at the present moment—there was to be no trial! Word spread quickly through Carmarthen that a new will had been discovered, making Miss Brodrick the owner of Llanfeare and, more importantly, canceling the upcoming trial. _This sets the stage for the chapter, revealing the public reaction to the will's discovery._ > The story, as told publicly, was as follows;— Mr. Apjohn, by his sagacity, had found the will. It had been concealed in a volume of sermons, and Mr. Apjohn, remembering suddenly that the old man had been reading these sermons shortly before his death, had gone at once to the book. The public account stated that Mr. Apjohn cleverly located the will, which was hidden inside a book of sermons, after recalling that the old squire had been reading it just before he died. _This explains how the will was discovered, highlighting Mr. Apjohn's role._ > “William,” she said;—throughout their intimacy she had never called him William before;—“you have heard my news?” Isabel addressed Mr. Owen by his first name for the first time, asking if he had heard about her inheritance. _This marks a turning point in their relationship, showing Isabel's boldness._ > “William,” she said, “take me in your arms and kiss me. How often have you asked me during the last month! Now I have come for it.” Isabel directly asked Mr. Owen to embrace and kiss her, noting that he had frequently requested this in the past, and now she was initiating it. _This is the climax of Isabel's petition, demonstrating her determination to overcome his pride._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cousin_henry_se/chapters/xxiii-isabel-s-petition - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cousin_henry_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cousin_henry_se/chapters