Framley Parsonage · Chapter
XI: Griselda Grantly explained
Lucy Robarts is introduced to Lord Lufton during a walk, and later attends a dinner at Framley Court where she observes Lord Lufton's attention to Griselda Grantly.
What happens
Lucy Robarts is introduced to Lord Lufton during a walk, and later attends a dinner at Framley Court where she observes Lord Lufton's attention to Griselda Grantly. Lady Lufton and Mrs. Grantly discuss the potential match between Lord Lufton and Griselda, while the archdeacon comments on Mark Robarts' involvement with the Sowerby set.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Lady Lufton and Mrs. Grantly scheme to arrange a marriage between Lord Lufton and Griselda Grantly, highlighting the strategic nature of matrimonial alliances.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The archdeacon and Lady Lufton discuss Mark Robarts' association with the Sowerby set and Gatherum Castle, reflecting how public opinion shapes clerical reputations.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Robarts
Lucy meets Lord Lufton for the first time during a walk and later attends dinner at Framley Court, where she feels overlooked compared to Griselda Grantly.
- Lord Lufton
Lord Lufton escorts Lucy home after meeting her on the road, and at dinner he sits beside Griselda Grantly, paying her marked attention.
- Griselda Grantly
Griselda is the focus of Lady Lufton's matrimonial plans for Lord Lufton; at dinner she sits beside him and remains composed and silent.
- Lady Lufton
Lady Lufton discusses the suitability of Griselda as a match for her son and expresses concern about Mark Robarts' association with the Sowerby set.
- Mark Robarts
Mark is mentioned as having preached at Chaldicotes and visited Gatherum Castle, drawing Lady Lufton's disapproval.
- Fanny Robarts
Fanny introduces Lucy to Lord Lufton and later goes to see Lady Lufton, leaving Lucy to walk home with Lord Lufton.
Key passages
““So it is.—But the very fact of the duke’s wishing to have a clergyman there, should always be taken as a sign of grace, Lady Lufton. The air was impure, no doubt; but it was less impure with Robarts there than it would have been without him. But, gracious heavens! what blasphemy have I been saying about impure air? Why, the bishop was there!””
The archdeacon argues that a clergyman's presence at Gatherum Castle is a positive influence, even if the environment is morally questionable, and notes that the bishop's attendance makes the criticism absurd.
This exchange highlights the tension between clerical duty and social temptation, a key theme in the chapter.
““I have been chasing you along the road for the last half mile. I never knew ladies walk so fast.””
Lord Lufton jokingly complains that Mrs. Robarts and Lucy were walking too quickly for him to catch up.
This lighthearted remark initiates the first meeting between Lord Lufton and Lucy.