# XIX: The Blue Posts explained — The Claverings

> Chapter companion for The Claverings by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Harry Clavering, urged by a note from Lady Ongar, visits Sophie Gordeloup to obtain Count Pateroff's address. He writes a note to the count, who later arranges a dinner at the Blue Posts with Harry, Colonel Schmoff, and Captain Boodle. After dinner, Harry privately delivers Lady Ongar's message that she will not see the count, but Pateroff insists he will call on her regardless.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duty and Moral Obligation

Harry feels obligated to fulfill Lady Ongar's commission despite the awkwardness, reflecting his sense of duty.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Sophie Gordeloup's disheveled appearance contrasts with her pointed, scheming behavior, and the count's genial dinner manner masks his determination to pressure Lady Ongar.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Clavering

Visits Sophie Gordeloup to get Count Pateroff's address, writes a note to the count, attends dinner at the Blue Posts, and delivers Lady Ongar's message to Pateroff.

### Sophie Gordeloup

Welcomes Harry in her morning dishabille, provides her brother's address, and later disparages Harry in French after he leaves.

### Count Pateroff

Arranges the dinner at the Blue Posts, receives Harry's note, and after dinner insists he will see Lady Ongar despite her message.

### Julia Brabazon

Sends a note to Harry upbraiding him for not completing her commission regarding Count Pateroff.

### Captain Doodles

Present at the Blue Posts dinner, claims acquaintance with Archie and Sir Hugh Clavering, and leaves early.

### Colonel Schmoff

Dines at the Blue Posts with the count and Harry, speaks little, and waits for the count during Harry's private conversation.

## Key lines

> Oh; so you ’ave come to see me. I am so glad.

Sophie Gordeloup greets Harry warmly, expressing pleasure at his visit.

_Sophie's greeting sets the tone for her manipulative yet welcoming demeanor._

> I think it unkind of you that you do not come to me. I asked you to see a certain person on my behalf, and you have not done so.

Lady Ongar reproaches Harry for not visiting her and for failing to carry out her request to see Count Pateroff.

_This note motivates Harry's actions throughout the chapter._

> Tell her ladyship, with my compliments, that it will be better for her to see me—better for her, and for me.

Count Pateroff instructs Harry to inform Lady Ongar that it is in her best interest to meet with him.

_The count's message reveals his insistence and underlying threat._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xix-the-blue-posts
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_claverings_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters