XXII: Dancing Teas explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Secrecy

  Edward's dual behavior—tender in private, indifferent in public—and Hester's own hidden motives to test him underscore the theme of deception and hidden intentions.

• Gender Roles and Power

  Hester's limited agency is evident as she navigates social expectations, while Ellen, as a married woman, exercises power by setting conditions for Hester's participation.

• Social Class and Inequality

  Ellen's display of wealth (carriage, furs) contrasts with the Vernonry's modest inhabitants, highlighting class distinctions and the desire for social elevation.

Characters to notice

• Hester Vernon

  Struggles with her ambivalent feelings for Edward, torn between curiosity and scorn; accepts Ellen's proposal to help with the dancing teas despite reservations.

• Edward Vernon

  Described as a sphinx-like figure who is tender in private but distant in public, fueling Hester's confusion and desire to uncover his true intentions.

• Ellen Merridew

  Visits the Vernonry to recruit Hester as an assistant for her Thursday dancing teas; imposes a condition that Hester avoid involvement with Harry or Edward.

• John Vernon

  Mrs. John is eager for Hester to accept Ellen's offer, seeing it as a chance for her daughter's social advancement, and is willing to make sacrifices for it.

• Harry Vernon

  Mentioned as someone Hester has refused, and whom Ellen warns Hester to avoid.

• Roland Ashton

  His departure marks the beginning of a new social era for Hester; she reflects on her past feelings for him, but now finds Edward more intriguing.

Key passages

• “He had tried to deceive Roland Ashton about her, telling him she was about to marry Harry, when he knew very well she had refused to marry Harry.”

  Edward lied to Roland, claiming Hester was engaged to Harry, despite knowing she had rejected Harry's proposal.

  Illustrates Edward's deceitful nature and his manipulation of others' perceptions.

• “When they were alone he was more than friendly; he was tender, insinuating, anxious for her approval, eager to unfold himself to her. But when he saw her in the Grange drawing-room he never went near her.”

  In private, Edward was affectionate and attentive, but in public, he ignored Hester completely.

  Highlights the dual personality of Edward and the central conflict in Hester's feelings.

• “To know what he meant—to know what was his real state of mind. If he would be afraid of what the world would say, as well as of what Catherine would say—in that case there was no scorn which Hester did not feel herself capable of pouring out upon her unworthy admirer; but if things proved different? Ah! then she did not know what softening, what yielding, she might not be capable of.”

  Hester is determined to discover Edward's true intentions: if he is cowardly about public opinion, she will scorn him; if not, she might yield to her feelings.

  Reveals Hester's internal struggle and her desire to test Edward's sincerity.

• “You must promise me that you will have nothing to say to either of the boys.”

  Ellen insists that Hester agree not to encourage Harry or Edward Vernon.

  Shows Ellen's protective and controlling nature, as well as the family tensions surrounding Hester's relationships.