# Once Again in Portman Square explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Phineas Finn visits Lord Brentford and Lady Laura Kennedy upon their return from Dresden. Lady Laura, now careworn and aged, discusses political changes and Phineas's prospects, but he insists she not intervene on his behalf. Their emotional reunion reveals lingering passion and regret, while Lord Brentford complains about Mr. Kennedy's madness and the loss of Lady Laura's fortune.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Lady Laura's passionate regret over her marriage and her lingering love for Phineas; Phineas's coldness to protect both of them.

### Political Ambition and Compromise

Phineas's disappointment at being passed over for office; Lady Laura's desire to use her influence to help him despite his protests.

### Justice and Injustice

Lord Brentford's outrage at the injustice of Mr. Kennedy keeping Lady Laura's money and publishing accusations against her.

## Character check-ins

### Phineas Finn

Visits Portman Square at Lady Laura's summons; resists her efforts to secure him a political position; struggles with his feelings for her.

### Lady Laura Kennedy

Returns from Dresden looking sad and careworn; expresses passionate regret over her marriage and her lost youth; tries to help Phineas politically.

### Earl of Brentford

Now a broken-down old man; complains bitterly about Mr. Kennedy's madness and the loss of Lady Laura's fortune.

### Robert Kennedy

Reported to be truly mad; keeps all of Lady Laura's money and has published accusations against her.

### Barrington Erle

Mentioned as someone Lady Laura wants to speak to on Phineas's behalf; expected to visit soon.

### Mr. Gresham

Expected to lead the incoming government; Phineas doubts he will be offered anything.

## Key lines

> Loving! A man's love is so easily transferred;—as easily as a woman's hand;—is it not, Phineas? Say the word, for it is what you are thinking.

Lady Laura accuses Phineas of thinking that men's affections are fickle, implying he no longer loves her.

_Reveals Lady Laura's insecurity and her belief that Phineas's feelings have changed._

> Too late for regrets! She had never told herself that it was not too late. She was the wife of another man, and therefore, surely it was too late. But still the word coming from his mouth was painful to her.

Phineas's remark that regret is futile stings Lady Laura because it confirms that their past cannot be undone.

_Highlights the tension between her lingering passion and the reality of her marriage._

> If you can make a Minister afraid of you, then it becomes worth his while to buy you up. Most of the young men rise now by making themselves thoroughly disagreeable.

Lord Brentford cynically suggests that political advancement comes from being a nuisance to those in power.

_Reflects the Earl's disillusionment with modern politics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxviii-once-again-in-portman-square
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters