# Chapter II explained — Something New > Chapter companion for Something New by P. G. Wodehouse. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se/chapters/ii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se/chapters