Something New · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Freddie Threepwood, recently engaged to Aline Peters, confides in his friend R.
What happens
Freddie Threepwood, recently engaged to Aline Peters, confides in his friend R. Jones about a past romantic entanglement with a chorus girl named Joan Valentine, to whom he wrote letters and poetry that could jeopardize his engagement. Meanwhile, Lord Emsworth reflects on the engagement with relief, and Freddie invites a new acquaintance, George Emerson, to Blandings Castle. The chapter also introduces R. Jones as a jovial but shrewd moneylender and curio dealer.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Servitude
Freddie's aristocratic status contrasts with his financial dependence on his father and his fear of scandal from a chorus girl, highlighting class tensions.
Romance and Rivalry
Freddie's engagement to Aline is threatened by his past romantic pursuit of Joan Valentine, introducing elements of romantic rivalry and potential scandal.
Wealth and Its Discontents
Freddie's lack of money despite his noble birth, and R. Jones's opportunistic moneylending, underscore the anxieties surrounding wealth and financial stability.
Characters to notice
- Freddie Threepwood
Confides in R. Jones about his fear of a breach-of-promise suit from Joan Valentine, who holds his incriminating letters and poetry.
- R. Jones
A fat, jovial moneylender and curio dealer who listens to Freddie's troubles and is relieved that Freddie does not want a loan.
- Lord Emsworth
Freddie's father, who is pleased about Freddie's engagement to Aline Peters and agrees to host George Emerson at Blandings.
- Joan Valentine
A chorus girl from 'The Baby Doll' to whom Freddie wrote love letters and poetry; she is a potential threat to his engagement.
- Aline Peters
Freddie's fiancée, mentioned as the daughter of the wealthy American Mr. Peters.
- George Emerson
An American friend Freddie met the previous night and invited to Blandings Castle.
Key passages
“Oh, I don’t want to make a touch, you know... As a matter of fact, I managed to raise five hundred of the best this morning.”
Freddie clarifies that he is not asking for a loan, having already secured £500 earlier that day.
Freddie reassures R. Jones that he has already obtained funds, indicating his immediate financial need is met.
“I’m in exactly the same bally hole as poor old Percy was, myself!”
Freddie confesses that he faces a predicament similar to his cousin Lord Stockheath's breach-of-promise case.
Freddie draws a parallel between his own situation and the scandal involving his cousin Percy.
“You wrote her poetry!”
R. Jones exclaims in amusement that Freddie composed poems for Joan Valentine.
R. Jones finds humor in Freddie's admission of writing poetry, which now poses a risk to his engagement.