Lady Rose’s Daughter · Chapter
III explained
Sir Wilfrid Bury, after leaving Lady Henry's, reflects on the tense dynamic between Lady Henry and Julie Le Breton.
What happens
Sir Wilfrid Bury, after leaving Lady Henry's, reflects on the tense dynamic between Lady Henry and Julie Le Breton. He visits the Duchess of Crowborough, where he finds Julie with the Duchess and Jacob Delafield. They discuss Lady Henry's jealousy and mistreatment of Julie, and the possibility of Julie leaving. Julie agrees to let Sir Wilfrid escort her back to Bruton Street, while the Duchess worries about her bazaar plans.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Power
The power imbalance between Lady Henry and Julie, and the social leverage Julie gains through her salon.
Jealousy and Rivalry
Lady Henry's jealousy of Julie's social success and the resulting conflict.
The Role of Women
Julie's position as a dependent woman navigating the expectations of her role, and the Duchess's advocacy for her.
Characters to notice
- Sir Wilfrid Bury
Observes the conflict between Lady Henry and Julie, and agrees to escort Julie back to Bruton Street.
- Julie Le Breton
Discussed by the Duchess and Delafield; shows dignity and agrees to let Sir Wilfrid escort her.
- Lady Henry Delafield
Her jealousy and mistreatment of Julie are the central topic of discussion.
- Jacob Delafield
Defends Julie and argues for frankness with Lady Henry.
- Evelyn Crowborough
The Duchess who champions Julie and wants her help with a bazaar.
Key passages
“How can Julie help being clever and agreeable—she is clever and agreeable!”
Julie's natural charm and intelligence are not faults, but qualities she cannot help.
The Duchess defends Julie against Lady Henry's accusations.
“She knows Lady Henry was kind to her, to begin with, that she gave her great chances, and that she’s getting old and infirm. Julie’s awfully sorry for her.”
Julie feels gratitude and pity for Lady Henry, which keeps her from leaving despite the mistreatment.
Explains Julie's loyalty and the complexity of her situation.
“I am in your hands,” she said, gently. “Of course I don’t want to keep anything from Lady Henry. Please decide for me.”
Julie defers to Jacob's judgment, showing her willingness to be transparent with Lady Henry.
Julie's response to the discussion about the bazaar.