The Cloven Foot · Chapter
No Trousseau explained
In the interval between her betrothal and wedding, Laura is blissfully happy, feeling that her love for John Treverton fulfills her duty to her adopted father Jasper.
What happens
In the interval between her betrothal and wedding, Laura is blissfully happy, feeling that her love for John Treverton fulfills her duty to her adopted father Jasper. Celia Clare returns from Brighton to help with wedding preparations and is horrified that Laura has ordered no proper trousseau or wedding gown. Celia reveals that her brother Edward has a bad opinion of Mr. Treverton, which wounds Laura. Laura confronts Edward, who leaves for London. Celia stays at the Manor House and observes that John, though clearly in love, is unusually serious and melancholy. On the eve of the wedding, the couple dines at the vicarage and walks home alone, with everything quietly arranged for the next day.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Laura's happiness in her betrothal and her defense of John's honor contrast with Celia's concerns about the lack of a proper trousseau and Edward's suspicions, underscoring the tension between romantic love and social conventions.
Secrets and Deception
John's mysterious conduct and his growing melancholy, along with Edward's doubts about his motives, hint at hidden truths beneath the surface of the impending marriage.
Social Class and Wealth
The discussion of the trousseau and the quiet, unostentatious wedding reflect the social expectations of the gentry, while Edward's suspicion that John is motivated by the estate highlights class and wealth concerns.
Characters to notice
- Laura Malcolm
Utterly happy in her betrothal, trusting John completely, but becomes wounded when Celia reveals Edward's doubts about John's motives.
- Celia Clare
Hurries back from Brighton to assist Laura, is scandalized by the lack of a trousseau and wedding gown, and observes that John is a melancholy lover.
- John Treverton
Shows reverent affection toward Laura but grows increasingly thoughtful and melancholy as the wedding approaches; seems to court Celia's company.
- Edward Clare
Expresses a bad opinion of Mr. Treverton and doubts his motives; after Laura's rebuke, he leaves Hazlehurst for London to pursue literature.
- Jasper Treverton
Deceased adopted father of Laura; his will and his memory serve as the bond between Laura and John.
Key passages
“Laura was utterly happy in the brief interval between her betrothal and her wedding. She had given her love and trust unreservedly, feeling that duty and love went hand in hand.”
Laura felt complete joy during the short engagement, believing that her love for John also fulfilled her duty to Jasper Treverton.
Highlights Laura's emotional state and her sense of moral rightness in the match.
“No wedding gown! she cried; no trousseau, and no wedding gown! This is indeed an ill-omened marriage!”
Celia exclaims that the lack of a proper wedding dress and trousseau is a bad omen for the marriage.
Illustrates Celia's conventional views and her superstitious concern about the wedding's propriety.
“I am offended with everyone who doubts the honour of my future husband, she answered.”
Laura tells Edward she is angry with anyone who questions John's integrity.
Shows Laura's fierce loyalty and her rejection of Edward's suspicions.
“He was not an ardent lover, Celia thought; and yet it would have been difficult to doubt that he was deeply in love.”
Celia observes that John is not passionate in his manner, but his devotion is unmistakable.
Reveals the contrast between John's reserved demeanor and the depth of his feelings.
