Miss Marjoribanks · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Lucilla's social reign in Carlingford becomes firmly established.
What happens
Lucilla's social reign in Carlingford becomes firmly established. She demonstrates remarkable self-control and magnanimity when Mr. Cavendish flirts with Barbara Lake, refusing to show jealousy or anger. Mrs. Chiley supports Lucilla and even begins a quiet canvass for a future M.P. Meanwhile, Barbara, driven by ambition and wounded pride, procures a new dress to win back Mr. Cavendish's attention. The chapter also notes Lucilla's ability to extend her influence beyond Grange Lane, captivating even the cynical John Brown.
Themes in this chapter
Social Ambition and Control
Lucilla's calculated magnanimity and her establishment of a social reign demonstrate her ambition and control over Carlingford society.
Performance and Appearance
Barbara's new dress and Mrs. Woodburn's mimicry highlight the importance of performance and appearance in social dynamics.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The distinction between Grange Lane and the Lake family, as well as the county people, underscores class divisions.
Characters to notice
- Lucilla Marjoribanks
Demonstrates superior self-control and magnanimity when Mr. Cavendish flirts with Barbara Lake; her social reign becomes firmly established.
- Mrs. Chiley
Supports Lucilla, calls Mr. Cavendish 'my dear,' and begins a quiet canvass for a future M.P. in Lucilla's interests.
- Mr. Cavendish
Flirts with Barbara Lake, then returns to Lucilla's side, behaving with decorum and becoming her 'right hand' for a period.
- Barbara Lake
Driven by ambition and wounded pride, she procures a new dress to win back Mr. Cavendish's attention after being humiliated.
- Rose Lake
Persuades her father to allow Barbara a new dress, arguing from an artistic perspective.
- Mrs. Woodburn
Indifferent to the flirtation, she adds a sketch of Barbara to her repertoire and takes no further care about the matter.
Key passages
“only a second ,” Mrs. Chiley said, with mingled wrath and satisfaction; “and, my dear, I should never let her enter my house again, if it was me.” “Dear Mrs. Chiley,” said Lucilla, who was now, as usual, equal to the occasion, “it is so nice of you to be vexed. You know I would do anything to please you;—but, after all, there are thousands and thousands of gentlemen, and it is not so easy to find a voice that goes with mine.”
Mrs. Chiley angrily says she would never allow Barbara Lake in her house again. Lucilla, ever composed, thanks her for her concern but explains that finding a suitable singing partner is more important than avoiding Barbara.
Lucilla's diplomatic response shows her prioritizing her social goals over personal grievances.
“She took no more notice of the unprincipled flirtation thus set agoing under her very eyes, than if Mr. Cavendish and Barbara Lake had been two figures in gingerbread.”
Lucilla completely ignored the flirtation between Mr. Cavendish and Barbara, as if they were insignificant.
Highlights Lucilla's self-control and strategic indifference.
““It might have been different, you know, if my affections had been engaged,” she said to her sole and sympathising counsellor; and Mrs. Chiley, who had had a great deal of experience in girls, became more and more of opinion that such sense was all but superhuman.”
Lucilla tells Mrs. Chiley that she would have reacted differently if she had been in love, and Mrs. Chiley marvels at her wisdom.
Lucilla's rationality is praised as almost superhuman by her confidante.
