The Claverings · Chapter
XXXVIII: How to Dispose of a Wife explained
Sir Hugh Clavering visits Lady Ongar to propose she sell her interest in Ongar Park to the Courton family, but she resists.
What happens
Sir Hugh Clavering visits Lady Ongar to propose she sell her interest in Ongar Park to the Courton family, but she resists. Meanwhile, Sir Hugh prepares for a yachting trip to Norway with Archie, and learns that Archie's marriage proposal to Lady Ongar was rejected. Lady Ongar reflects on her feelings for Harry Clavering and considers giving Ongar Park to him, but remains uncertain about how to proceed.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Inheritance
Sir Hugh attempts to pressure Lady Ongar into selling her interest in Ongar Park, highlighting tensions over property within the family.
Betrayal and Redemption
Lady Ongar feels deeply wronged by Sir Hugh's earlier condemnation and struggles with whether to forgive or retaliate.
Gender Roles and Power
Lady Ongar's limited agency is evident as male relatives (Sir Hugh, Archie) attempt to control her property and marital future.
Characters to notice
- Sir Hugh Clavering
Visits Lady Ongar to propose selling Ongar Park; prepares for yachting trip; questions Archie about his marriage proposal.
- Julia Brabazon
Receives Sir Hugh's visit; refuses to sell Ongar Park; contemplates giving it to Harry Clavering.
- Captain Archibald Clavering
Assists Sir Hugh with preparations; admits to proposing to Lady Ongar and being refused.
- Harry Clavering
Mentioned in Lady Ongar's thoughts as a possible recipient of Ongar Park.
- Hermione
Mentioned as Sir Hugh's wife; Lady Ongar declines to visit her at Clavering Park.
Key passages
“She was subject to no censure. They did not wish themselves to know her, as no intimacy between them could now be pleasant; but they had felt it to be incumbent on them to say as much as that to Sir Hugh.”
The Courton family cleared Lady Ongar of blame but still avoided social contact with her.
Reveals the family's grudging acknowledgment of her innocence while maintaining distance.
“If he might be there, looking after his cattle, going about with the steward subservient at his heels, ministering justice to the Enoch Gubbys and others, she would care nothing for the wants of any of the Courton people.”
Lady Ongar imagines Harry Clavering as the master of Ongar Park, caring for the estate and its tenants.
Shows her fantasy of giving the property to Harry as a romantic gesture.