# Miss Boncassen's Idea of Heaven explained — The Duke’s Children

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

## What happens

At Custins, Isabel Boncassen confides in Lady Mary Palliser that Lord Silverbridge has proposed to her, while Dolly Longstaff's earnest but rejected suit leads him to leave abruptly. Isabel reflects on her love for Silverbridge and her hope to win over his family.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Duty

Isabel grapples with her love for Silverbridge and the duty to consider his family's acceptance; Dolly's earnest love is rejected.

### Social Class and Aristocracy

Isabel's ambition to be a Duchess and the Duke's courteous but distant interactions highlight class distinctions.

### American vs. British Values

Mr. Boncassen and the Duke debate republicanism versus monarchy; Isabel contrasts American marriage customs with British settlements.

## Character check-ins

### Isabel Boncassen

Confesses to Lady Mary that Silverbridge has proposed; reflects on her love and ambition to be accepted by his family.

### Lady Mary Palliser

Becomes intimate with Isabel and is astonished to learn of Silverbridge's proposal.

### Dolly Longstaff

Earnestly in love with Isabel but is rejected; leaves Custins in despair after she walks out on him.

### Lord Popplecourt

Advises Dolly but makes little progress in his own suit with Lady Mary.

### The Duke of Omnium

Converses courteously with Isabel and her father; unaware of Silverbridge's courtship.

### Mr. Boncassen

Discusses republicanism with the Duke; fond of Scandinavian poets.

### Lady Cantrip

Nervous about Lady Mary's intimacy with Isabel; speaks to the Duke and Popplecourt about Mary.

## Key lines

> She was still of opinion that it would not become her to force her way into a family which would endeavour to repudiate her.

Isabel believed she should not marry into a family that would reject her.

_Reflects Isabel's pride and concern about family acceptance._

> What can you do when a girl walks out of the room and slams the door in your face?

Dolly laments that Isabel's rejection leaves him no recourse.

_Shows Dolly's despair after his proposal is rebuffed._

> I do not think that Lady Mary will bestow her heart till she is sure she can give it with safety.

Lady Cantrip suggests Mary will only commit when she feels secure.

_Highlights Mary's cautious nature and Lady Cantrip's protective role._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlvii-miss-boncassen-s-idea-of-heaven
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duke_s_children_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters