He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Lady Milborough as Ambassador explained
Lady Milborough visits Emily Trevelyan as an ambassador for Louis Trevelyan, attempting to mediate their marital dispute over Colonel Osborne.
What happens
Lady Milborough visits Emily Trevelyan as an ambassador for Louis Trevelyan, attempting to mediate their marital dispute over Colonel Osborne. The visit fails as both parties remain stubborn, each believing they are in the right. After Lady Milborough leaves, Emily finds solace with her baby, and later a letter from Trevelyan further exacerbates tensions, leading to a continued stalemate.
Themes in this chapter
Marital Jealousy and Possessiveness
Trevelyan's jealousy of Colonel Osborne drives the conflict, leading him to demand Emily's submission and threaten separation.
Pride and Stubbornness
Both Emily and Louis refuse to acknowledge fault, each convinced of their own righteousness, preventing any reconciliation.
Gender Roles and Power in Marriage
Lady Milborough's argument that a wife should obey reflects Victorian gender norms, while Emily's defiance challenges that authority.
Characters to notice
- Emily Trevelyan
Feels ill-used by her husband's suspicion and his discussion of it with others; refuses to submit or acknowledge fault, and finds comfort in her baby.
- Louis Trevelyan
Insists on his right to general submission; writes a letter to Emily and sends Lady Milborough as ambassador, but his efforts are counterproductive.
- Lady Milborough
Acts as Trevelyan's ambassador; initially expects a triumph but is defeated in the encounter with Emily, leaving awkwardly.
- Nora Rowley
Emily's sister and confidante; advises Emily to see Lady Milborough and urges her to be less defiant.
- Louey
Emily and Louis's infant son; a source of joy and comfort for Emily, who fears he may be taken from her.
Key passages
“desired that the other should acknowledge a fault, and that neither of them would make that acknowledgment.”
Each wanted the other to admit being wrong, but neither would do so.
Highlights the central impasse in the marital conflict.
“The best for you, my dear, will be to consider well what should be the duty of a wife.”
Lady Milborough advises Emily to reflect on her wifely duties.
Reflects the Victorian expectation of female submission.
“Divide these two! No; nobody should do that. Sooner than that, she, the mother, would consent to be no more than a servant in her husband's house.”
Emily is determined that no one will separate her from her baby, even if it means becoming a servant.
Shows Emily's fierce maternal love and her resolve to keep her child.