# Lady Milborough as Ambassador explained — He Knew He Was Right

> Chapter companion for He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xi-lady-milborough-as-ambassador
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters