# Business and Love explained — Hester

> Chapter companion for Hester by Margaret Oliphant.

## What happens

Hester and Roland Ashton engage in a lengthy conversation about business, the Stock Exchange, and Edward Vernon's motives. Hester defends Edward's desire for freedom without wishing Catherine dead, while Roland grows jealous. They discuss the nature of heroism and women's roles, with Hester expressing a desire to act independently rather than merely inspire others. The chapter ends with Emma Ashton interrupting, complaining about her brother's lack of concern for her social life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Morality

Roland explains stock market speculation, including the moral ambiguity of making profits without spending money, while Hester questions the ethics of such practices.

### Gender Roles and Power

Hester challenges the notion that women should only inspire men to heroism, asserting a desire for independent action and critiquing conventional feminine roles.

### Deception and Secrecy

Hester's hidden interest in Edward is revealed to Roland, causing tension and exposing the unspoken dynamics between the characters.

## Character check-ins

### Hester Vernon

Defends Edward Vernon's motives, discusses business and heroism, and expresses a desire for independent action.

### Roland Ashton

Explains stock market operations to Hester, grows jealous of Edward, and attempts to flirt with Hester.

### Edward Vernon

Discussed as the subject of Hester's analysis; his desire for freedom and financial independence is explored.

### Catherine Vernon

Referenced as the person Edward does not wish to outlive; Hester expresses concern for her loneliness.

### Emma Ashton

Briefly appears at the end, complaining about her brother's lack of concern for her social life.

## Key lines

> He does not want to wait till she dies, as if he grudged her life. It would be terrible for her to think that he did not wish her to live as long as she could. But at the same time he wants, and so do we all, to be free.

Edward does not wish for Catherine's death, but he desires his own freedom, which creates a painful conflict.

_Hester explains Edward's dilemma to Roland, highlighting the tension between duty and personal desire._

> I should like to buy you a quantity of Circassians, for instance, exactly at the right moment, neither too soon nor too late, and sell them next day, perhaps, when the market had turned, and hand you over a thousand pounds or two which you should have made without, as I said, spending a penny.

Roland offers to speculate on the stock market on Hester's behalf, promising quick profits with no initial investment.

_Roland uses stock market talk as a vehicle for flirtation, offering to make Hester rich effortlessly._

> Do you really think that the charm of inspiring, as you call it, is what any reasonable creature would prefer to doing? To make somebody else a hero rather than be a hero yourself? Women would need to be disinterested indeed if they like that best.

Hester rejects the idea that women should be content to inspire men rather than act heroically themselves.

_Hester challenges traditional gender roles, asserting her desire for direct action and agency._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se/chapters/xxxi-business-and-love
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hester_se/chapters