# Celia's Lovers explained — The Cloven Foot

> Chapter companion for The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Laura receives a reassuring letter from John Treverton, who explains that his first marriage to Zaïre was invalid because she was already married to Jean Kergariou, securing their claim to the estate. Celia Clare bursts in, upset that Laura has been distant, and defends her brother Edward's hostility. Later, Celia reveals she has been preoccupied with a young man, and Laura guesses it is Mr. Gerard. Meanwhile, Tom Sampson proposes to Celia, who gently refuses him, and he consoles himself with champagne and thoughts of domestic reform.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Explored through John's letter confirming the validity of his marriage to Laura, Tom Sampson's proposal to Celia, and Celia's romantic interest in Mr. Gerard.

### Secrets and Deception

John's first marriage to Zaïre is revealed as invalid due to her prior marriage, and Edward Clare's hidden enmity is discussed.

### Inheritance and Legitimacy

John's legal position regarding Jasper Treverton's estate is secured by proving his first marriage was not legitimate.

## Character check-ins

### Laura Malcolm

Receives John's letter and feels comforted; reconciles with Celia after a period of distance.

### John Treverton

Writes to Laura from Paris, detailing his discoveries at Auray and his plan to return home.

### Celia Clare

Forces her way into Laura's study, defends Edward, and later confides her interest in a young man.

### Edward Clare

Discussed as Laura's enemy; Celia says he is brooding and unhappy over Laura's marriage.

### Thomas Sampson

Proposes to Celia and is refused; later dines with the Trevertons and reflects on his domestic life.

### George Gerard

Mentioned as the likely young man Celia is interested in.

## Key lines

> From the hour I knelt beside you before the altar in Hazlehurst Church, I have been your husband. That unhappy Frenchwoman was never legally my wife.

John asserts that his marriage to Laura is valid and that his earlier union with Zaïre was not legally binding.

_John's letter provides legal and emotional reassurance to Laura._

> I think a few poets—and some of the first quality—have faced those horrors, Celia.

Laura counters Celia's claim that poets cannot endure poverty by citing examples of great poets who did.

_Highlights the contrast between romantic ideals and harsh realities._

> Perhaps after all I may be better off as a bachelor than with the most fascinating of wives.

Tom Sampson consoles himself after Celia's refusal by considering the advantages of remaining unmarried.

_Reveals Sampson's pragmatic and slightly self-pitying character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxxviii-celia-s-lovers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters