Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXXIX: Evelina in Continuation explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Selwyn abruptly informs Evelina that she is to marry Lord Orville the following week, a plan devised by Sir John Belmont and Mrs. Selwyn to resolve the complicated family situation involving the false daughter, Polly Green, and Mr. Macartney. Evelina is startled by the haste but, after persuasion from Lord Orville, agrees to defer the wedding only until Thursday, pending Mr. Villars's approval.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Courtship
The chapter centers on the hurried marriage arrangement between Evelina and Lord Orville, highlighting the tension between romantic desire and social propriety.
Family and Identity
Evelina's identity as Sir John Belmont's legitimate daughter is being formally established through marriage, while the false daughter's exposure complicates family dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Evelina is agitated and perturbed by the sudden marriage plan, but ultimately consents to a Thursday wedding after Lord Orville's persuasion, deferring final decision to Mr. Villars.
- Mrs. Selwyn
Mrs. Selwyn delivers the news of the marriage plan with characteristic irony and argues for its expediency, citing the need to protect the false daughter's reputation and Sir John's affairs.
- Lord Orville
Lord Orville is eager for the marriage, persuades Evelina to accept the accelerated timeline, and offers to visit Mr. Villars or allow a month at Berry Hill after the wedding.
- Sir John Belmont
Sir John Belmont agrees to the double marriage plan, provides a £30,000 dowry, and remains reluctant to meet Evelina directly, though he sends for Lord Orville.
- Rev. Mr. Villars
Mr. Villars is not present but is the ultimate authority Evelina looks to for approval; she writes to him for his decision on the marriage.
Key passages
“How agitated, my dear Sir, is the present life of your Evelina! every day seems important, and one event only a prelude to another.”
Evelina expresses to Mr. Villars how unsettled her life has become, with each day bringing significant developments.
Opening line sets the tone of urgency and emotional turmoil.
“Arm yourself with all your Berry Hill philosophy;—con over every lesson of fortitude or resignation you ever learnt in your life;—for know—you are next week to be married to Lord Orville!”
Mrs. Selwyn ironically tells Evelina to prepare herself for the shocking news that she will marry Lord Orville next week.
Mrs. Selwyn's characteristic sarcasm introduces the marriage plan.
“I half regret the simple facility with which I have suffered myself to be hurried into compliance; and, should you start but the smallest objection, I will yet insist upon being allowed more time.”
Evelina admits she regrets agreeing so easily to the rushed plan and promises to demand a delay if Mr. Villars disapproves.
Evelina's deference to Mr. Villars underscores her reliance on his guidance.