Doctor Thorne · Chapter
Miss Dunstable explained
Frank Gresham meets the wealthy heiress Miss Dunstable at Courcy Castle.
What happens
Frank Gresham meets the wealthy heiress Miss Dunstable at Courcy Castle. Despite his aunt's hopes that he will court her, Frank remains determined to marry Mary Thorne. He and Miss Dunstable engage in a playful, flirtatious conversation, but Frank ultimately finds her unappealing and reaffirms his love for Mary. The chapter also touches on electioneering tactics, with Frank securing a vote by promising bonnets to a chorister's family.
Themes in this chapter
Inheritance and Wealth
Miss Dunstable's fortune of two hundred thousand pounds is the central focus of the chapter, driving Lady Arabella's matchmaking and Frank's reluctant flirtation.
Love vs. Duty
Frank struggles between his duty to his family (to court Miss Dunstable for her money) and his love for Mary Thorne, ultimately reaffirming his commitment to Mary.
Social Class and Marriage
The chapter explores how marriage is used as a tool for social and financial advancement, with Lady Arabella pushing Frank toward Miss Dunstable despite his lack of genuine interest.
Characters to notice
- Frank Gresham
Frank is introduced to Miss Dunstable and flirts with her at his aunt's behest, but remains inwardly resolved to marry Mary Thorne. He also engages in electioneering, securing a vote by promising bonnets.
- Miss Dunstable
The wealthy heiress arrives at Courcy Castle. She engages in witty banter with Frank, teasing him about love and courtship, and mentions having multiple suitors.
- Lady Arabella de Courcy
Frank's aunt, the countess, orchestrates the introduction between Frank and Miss Dunstable, encouraging him to court the heiress for her fortune.
- Mary Thorne
Though not present in the chapter, Frank thinks of Mary Thorne and reaffirms his love for her, contrasting her with Miss Dunstable.
- The Honourable George de Courcy
Frank's cousin, who accompanies him on electioneering visits and comments on election tactics.
- Mr. Nearthewinde
An election agent who is part of the party at Courcy Castle, concerned about Frank's imprudent admission regarding the chorister's vote.
Key passages
“I might give her a heartache yet, said he to himself, and she might find afterwards that she was left in the lurch with all her money.”
Frank thinks to himself that he could still make Miss Dunstable fall for him and then reject her, leaving her heartbroken despite her wealth.
This shows Frank's conflicted feelings and his attempt to assert control in the flirtation, though he ultimately finds the idea distasteful.
“They'll always pass muster, Miss Dunstable had replied, when they are done up with banknotes.”
Miss Dunstable retorts that her unfashionable curls are acceptable as long as they are backed by her money.
This highlights Miss Dunstable's self-awareness and the power of wealth to override social conventions.