Orley Farm · Chapter
Oh, Indeed! explained
At dinner at The Cleeve, Peregrine Orme's improved demeanor toward Lady Mason encourages Sir Peregrine and Mrs.
What happens
At dinner at The Cleeve, Peregrine Orme's improved demeanor toward Lady Mason encourages Sir Peregrine and Mrs. Orme. After the ladies retire, Peregrine and his grandfather discuss hunting, Harriet Tristram, and marriage. Sir Peregrine reveals his plan to settle property on Peregrine and asks about his romantic interests. Peregrine confesses his love for Madeline Staveley and that she has refused him. Sir Peregrine offers encouragement and suggests he will speak to Judge Staveley. Later, Mr. Furnival visits to inform Sir Peregrine that Joseph Mason's solicitors are preparing to bring an action for forgery or perjury against Lady Mason.
Themes in this chapter
Reputation and Scandal
The threat of a perjury or forgery trial looms over Lady Mason, endangering her reputation and social standing.
Family and Loyalty
Sir Peregrine's desire to settle property on Peregrine and support his marriage reflects family loyalty, while Peregrine's opposition to his grandfather's marriage tests familial bonds.
Love and Marriage
Peregrine's unrequited love for Madeline Staveley and Sir Peregrine's plans for his own marriage to Lady Mason are central to the chapter's dialogue.
Characters to notice
- Young Peregrine
Dines at The Cleeve, discusses hunting and marriage with his grandfather, confesses his proposal to Madeline Staveley and her refusal.
- Sir Peregrine Orme
Hosts dinner, discusses property settlement with Peregrine, learns of Peregrine's love for Madeline Staveley, offers encouragement, and later meets with Mr. Furnival about legal threats against Lady Mason.
- Lady Mason
Present at dinner, accepts courtesies graciously, is the subject of legal threats from Joseph Mason's solicitors.
- Mrs. Orme
Exerts herself to create a cheerful atmosphere at dinner, later receives Lady Mason's confidences.
- Mr. Furnival
Visits The Cleeve, informs Sir Peregrine that Joseph Mason's solicitors are moving to bring an action for forgery or perjury against Lady Mason.
Key passages
“I was thinking of Madeline Staveley.”
Peregrine admits to his grandfather that he is in love with Madeline Staveley.
Peregrine reveals the object of his affections during a conversation about marriage.
“I have proposed to her. And she has refused me.”
Peregrine confesses that he proposed to Madeline Staveley and was rejected.
Peregrine shares the disappointing outcome of his romantic pursuit.
“If you really mean that, I will see that there shall be no unnecessary delay.”
Mr. Furnival agrees to expedite the legal proceedings if Joseph Mason's side is serious.
Mr. Furnival responds to the threat of a perjury action against Lady Mason.