# Why Not Like Romeo if I Feel Like Romeo? explained — The Duke’s Children

> Chapter companion for The Duke’s Children by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lady Mabel Grex insists on meeting Frank Tregear alone, despite Miss Cassewary's objections. They discuss Tregear's proposal to the Duke for Lady Mary's hand, their past romantic feelings, and the possibility of Mabel marrying Lord Silverbridge. The old Earl interrupts, and Mabel cleverly deflects his suspicion by revealing Tregear's intended marriage. Afterward, Mabel reflects on her love for Tregear and the difficulty of her future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Mabel struggles between her love for Tregear and the practical necessity of marrying for financial security; Tregear pursues love despite the Duke's opposition.

### Social Class and Aristocracy

Tregear's audacity in asking the Duke for his daughter's hand highlights class barriers; Mabel's poverty and need to marry well reflect aristocratic pressures.

### Gender Roles and Women's Agency

Mabel asserts her agency by insisting on a private meeting and managing her father's suspicions, yet is constrained by her limited options as a woman.

## Character check-ins

### Lady Mabel Grex

Insists on meeting Tregear alone; discusses his love for Lady Mary and her own feelings; reflects on her love for Tregear and her difficult future.

### Frank Tregear

Visits Mabel to discuss his proposal to the Duke for Lady Mary; admits his love for Mary but shows lingering tenderness for Mabel.

### Miss Cassewary

Objects to Mabel meeting Tregear alone, citing the Earl's disapproval, but is overruled.

### Lord Grex

Interrupts the conversation; is told by Mabel that Tregear is going to be married, which deflects his suspicion.

## Key lines

> Why not like a Romeo, if I feel like a Romeo?

Why shouldn't I act like a passionate lover if that's how I truly feel?

_Tregear defends his intense love for Lady Mary to Mabel._

> I cannot afford to be in love till I am quite sure that the man is fit to be, and will be, my husband.

I can't allow myself to fall in love until I'm certain the man is suitable and will marry me.

_Mabel explains her pragmatic approach to love due to her financial situation._

> She had been false now;—so far false that she had told her friend that she had never been in love. But she was in love;—in love with him, Frank Tregear.

She had lied to her friend by saying she had never been in love, but in truth she was deeply in love with Frank Tregear.

_Narrator reveals Mabel's hidden feelings for Tregear._

## Links

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