Chapter the Last explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Ambition and Control

  Lucilla's vision of reorganizing the county and her satisfaction with her 'larger sphere' demonstrate her ambition to control and improve society.

• Performance and Appearance

  Tom's choice of pale green for the drawing-room, a color that once suited Lucilla, underscores the importance of maintaining appearances and romantic memory.

• Community and Gossip

  Carlingford's intense interest in Lucilla's marriage, the circulation of rumors, and the reinterpretation of her past behavior highlight the community's role in shaping personal narratives.

Characters to notice

• Lucilla Marjoribanks

  Engaged to Tom, she prepares to leave Grange Lane for Marchbank, feeling a sense of destiny and satisfaction in her future role.

• Tom Marjoribanks

  Returns to Carlingford, buys Marchbank, fits up the drawing-room in pale green, and wins over the community with his gifts and straightforwardness.

• Mr. Ashburton

  Accepts his disappointment gracefully, claiming he saw the situation at once, and sends a nice wedding present.

• Lady Richmond

  Claims she always suspected Lucilla had a secret attachment, and helps shape public opinion in Grange Lane.

• Mrs. Woodburn

  Makes much of Lady Richmond's remarks, contributing to the gossip and romantic narrative surrounding Lucilla's engagement.

• Aunt Jemima

  Accompanies Lucilla to inspect Marchbank and criticizes Lucilla's decision to leave the carpets for the new tenants.

• Nancy

  Lucilla inspects the kitchen for her information, indicating Nancy will be part of the new household.

• Dr. Rider

  The new doctor who will take over Dr. Marjoribanks's house; his wife is shown around by Lucilla.

Key passages

• “This was the hardest personal encounter which Miss Marjoribanks was subjected to; but when the news circulated in Grange Lane there was first a dead pause of incredulity and amazement, and then such a commotion as could be compared to nothing except a sudden squall at sea.”

  The most difficult confrontation Lucilla faced was followed by a stunned silence in Grange Lane, then an uproar like a storm at sea.

  Describes the initial shock of the community upon hearing of Lucilla's engagement.

• “And it kept all Carlingford in conversation for a longer time than might be supposed in these busy days; for there was not only the fact itself, but what they were to do, and where they were to go, to be discussed.”

  The engagement provided Carlingford with endless gossip, as people debated not only the event but also the couple's future plans.

  Highlights the town's prolonged fascination with Lucilla's marriage.

• “The lighter preface of life was past, and Lucilla had the comfort of feeling that its course had been full of benefit to her fellow-creatures; and now a larger sphere opened before her feet, and Miss Marjoribanks felt that the arrangements of Providence were on the whole full of discrimination, and that all was for the best, and she had not lived in vain.”

  Lucilla felt her early life had been beneficial to others, and now a greater opportunity awaited her, confirming that Providence had wisely arranged everything.

  Lucilla's self-satisfied reflection on her past achievements and future prospects.

• “And yet it is odd to think that, after all, I shall never be anything but Lucilla Marjoribanks!”

  Lucilla muses that despite her marriage, she will always be known by her maiden name.

  A moment of pensiveness as Lucilla considers her enduring identity.