The Duke’s Children · Chapter
Miss Boncassen's River-Party. No. 1 explained
Lord Silverbridge attempts to propose to Lady Mabel Grex three times but fails each time.
What happens
Lord Silverbridge attempts to propose to Lady Mabel Grex three times but fails each time. Mabel teases him about his growing attachment to Isabel Boncassen, leading to a tense exchange. Silverbridge then attends a river party hosted by the Boncassens, where he enjoys Isabel's company and learns of Lord Popplecourt's interest in his sister Lady Mary.
Themes in this chapter
American vs. British Values
Isabel Boncassen contrasts American and English social customs, noting the freedom of American young ladies and the defined roles of British aristocracy.
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Isabel Boncassen enjoys unusual freedom from parental control, while Lady Mabel Grax navigates societal expectations and her own ambitions.
Characters to notice
- Lord Silverbridge
Attempts to propose to Lady Mabel three times without success; attends Miss Boncassen's river party and enjoys her company.
- Lady Mabel Grex
Teases Silverbridge about his interest in Isabel Boncassen, expresses mixed feelings about his potential marriage to an American.
- Isabel Boncassen
Hosts a river party at Maidenhead; enjoys Silverbridge's attention and discusses American vs. English manners.
- Miss Cassewary
Present during Silverbridge's visit to Lady Mabel; comments on American manners.
- Lord Popplecourt
Mentions visiting Lady Cantrip and meeting Lady Mary Palliser; hints at interest in Mary.
- Dolly Longstaff
Attends the river party; declines rowing due to heat.
Key passages
“I suppose that it is all settled. About you and the American beauty.”
Lady Mabel suggests that Silverbridge's relationship with Isabel Boncassen is already decided.
Mabel's teasing reveals her awareness of Silverbridge's growing attachment to Isabel.
“I like you because I feel that you will not think that you ought to make love to me.”
Isabel appreciates that Silverbridge does not assume romantic intentions in their friendship.
Isabel values a platonic connection, contrasting with typical expectations of courtship.