Miss Marjoribanks · Chapter
XXI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Cavendish, torn between inclination and interest, reflects on his interactions with Barbara Lake and Lucilla Marjoribanks. He feels drawn to Barbara but knows marrying her would be foolish, while Lucilla represents a better match for his interests. Meanwhile, Lucilla writes to Mrs. Chiley, relieved that Mr. Cavendish did not propose, and discusses the matter with her father, Dr. Marjoribanks, who expresses doubts about Cavendish's stability. Lucilla remains content, feeling Providence intervened to spare her from complications.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Perception and Ego
Mr. Cavendish's internal conflict between his desire for Barbara and his self-interest in marrying Lucilla; Lucilla's serene self-regard and confidence in her own virtue.
Marriage as a Social Institution
Marriage is portrayed as a strategic alliance of interests and social standing, rather than purely romantic; Lucilla and Dr. Marjoribanks discuss Cavendish's suitability as a husband.
Performance and Appearance
Lucilla maintains a composed and virtuous appearance despite the near-proposal; Mr. Cavendish's public persona contrasts with his private turmoil.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Cavendish
Torn between his attraction to Barbara Lake and his interest in Lucilla; feels gratitude toward Lucilla for saving him from embarrassment with Mr. Beverley, yet is reluctant to propose.
- Lucilla Marjoribanks
Relieved that Mr. Cavendish did not propose; writes to Mrs. Chiley expressing gratitude; discusses Cavendish with her father and reaffirms her commitment to her ten-year plan.
- Dr. Marjoribanks
Questions Mr. Cavendish's background and financial stability; expresses confidence in Lucilla's ability to manage her own affairs.
- Barbara Lake
Mentioned as the object of Mr. Cavendish's inclination; weeps over his failure to propose, feeling her hopes are dashed.
- Mrs. Chiley
Recipient of Lucilla's note; Lucilla credits her with Providence for interrupting Mr. Cavendish's potential proposal.
Key passages
“If such a thing had been permissible in England as that a man might marry one wife for his liking and another for his interests, the matter might have been compromised by proposing to them both; and there cannot be a doubt that Lucilla, in such a case, would very soon have triumphed over her handsome, sullen, passionate rival.”
If bigamy were legal, Mr. Cavendish could marry both women, but Lucilla would ultimately outshine Barbara.
Highlights the tension between romantic inclination and practical interest in marriage.
“Miss Marjoribanks could turn from Mr. Cavendish, who had thus failed to fulfil the demands of his position, to the serene idea of the Archdeacon, with that delightful consciousness of having nothing to reproach herself with, which is balm to a well-regulated mind.”
Lucilla easily shifts her attention from the disappointing Mr. Cavendish to the promising Archdeacon, comforted by her own blameless conduct.
Illustrates Lucilla's self-assurance and strategic thinking in matters of courtship.
“It annoyed her not so much on personal as on general principles; for Lucilla was aware that nothing could be more pernicious to a man than when thus brought to the very point to be thrown back again, and never permitted to produce that delicate bloom of his affections.”
Lucilla is vexed not for herself but because she believes it is harmful for a man to be brought to the brink of proposing and then thwarted.
Shows Lucilla's philosophical view of courtship as a natural process that should be allowed to unfold.