# Mr. Kennedy’s Will explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Kennedy's attempt on Phineas Finn's life is covered up, and Kennedy descends into madness and tyranny at Loughlinter. After Kennedy's death, his will leaves the Loughlinter estate to Lady Laura, who struggles with her feelings for Phineas as he faces murder charges for Bonteen's death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

Phineas faces mounting evidence and public doubt, while the true circumstances of Kennedy's attack are concealed.

### Love and Sacrifice

Lady Laura mourns Kennedy while still loving Phineas, and struggles with her widowhood and the legacy left to her.

### Scandal and Public Opinion

The newspapers and public figures debate Phineas's guilt, with The People's Banner fueling suspicion.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Kennedy

Attempts to shoot Phineas Finn, then sinks into madness and petty tyranny at Loughlinter; dies before the chapter ends.

### Lady Laura Kennedy

Receives news of Kennedy's death and his will leaving her Loughlinter; mourns and struggles with her feelings for Phineas while he is in prison.

### Phineas Finn

Survives Kennedy's attack; is now in prison, facing murder charges for Bonteen's death, with evidence mounting against him.

### Earl of Brentford

Discusses the will with Lady Laura and Mr. Forster, urging her to take up the Saulsby mortgages.

### Mr. Forster

Brings the news of Kennedy's will to Lady Laura and the Earl, advising her to retain Loughlinter.

### Lord Fawn

Convinced of Phineas's guilt based on the coat, height, and step of the man he saw near the murder scene.

## Key lines

> Mr. Kennedy had fired a pistol at Phineas Finn in Macpherson’s Hotel with the manifest intention of blowing out the brains of his presumed enemy, and no public notice had been taken of the occurrence.

Kennedy shot at Phineas in a hotel, clearly trying to kill him, but the incident was hushed up.

_Describes the attempted murder and its cover-up._

> He has bequeathed to you the use of Loughlinter for your life, Lady Laura.

Kennedy's will gives Lady Laura the lifetime use of the Loughlinter estate.

_Key revelation of the will's contents._

> Might it not still be possible that there should be before her a happy evening to her days; and that she might stand once more beside the falls of Linter, contented, hopeful, nay, almost glorious, with her hand in his to whom she had once refused her own on that very spot?

Lady Laura hopes for a future with Phineas, recalling the spot where she once rejected him.

_Shows her lingering love and hope._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lii-mr-kennedy-s-will
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters