# XIX explained — The Enchanted April

> Chapter companion for The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim.

## What happens

Mr. Briggs arrives at San Salvatore and is instantly captivated by Scrap's beauty, becoming clumsy and silent. Scrap, recognizing the signs of an 'incipient grabber,' feels her rest-cure threatened and wishes for Kate Lumley's arrival as a buffer. Mr. Wilkins observes the situation and anticipates future complications involving Rose Arbuthnot. Later, Ferdinand Arundel unexpectedly appears, having followed Scrap from London with her mother's knowledge. Scrap, though initially surprised, decides to use Arundel as a temporary shield against Briggs's attentions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Briggs's instant infatuation with Scrap and Scrap's wary recognition of his 'grabber' tendencies highlight the theme of romantic pursuit and its complications.

### Social Class and Money

Scrap's aristocratic background and her mother's social connections (e.g., having authors to lunch) contrast with Briggs's more humble demeanor and Mr. Wilkins's self-conscious eloquence.

### The Contrast Between Appearance and Reality

Scrap's outward amiability leads Ferdinand Arundel to misinterpret her feelings, while Briggs's cheerful exterior gives way to silent infatuation.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Briggs

Arrives at San Salvatore and is immediately overwhelmed by Scrap's beauty, becoming silent, clumsy, and infatuated.

### Scrap

Recognizes Briggs's infatuation as a threat to her rest-cure; later receives Ferdinand Arundel and decides to use him as a shield.

### Mr. Wilkins

Observes Briggs's reaction to Scrap and speculates on future romantic entanglements involving Rose Arbuthnot.

### Mrs. Fisher

Speaks placidly about Kate Lumley's delayed arrival and invites Briggs to stay.

### Mrs. Wilkins

Mentions that Kate Lumley's room is available for Briggs.

### Mr. Ferdinand Arundel

Arrives unexpectedly at San Salvatore, having followed Scrap from London with her mother's address; Scrap uses him as a buffer against Briggs.

## Key lines

> All Scrap said was, "How do you do," on Mr. Wilkins presenting him, but it was enough; it undid Briggs.

Briggs was completely undone by Scrap's simple greeting.

_Illustrates Briggs's immediate and overwhelming infatuation._

> A deep melancholy invaded Scrap. The symptoms of the incipient grabber were all there and only too familiar, and she knew that if Briggs stayed her rest-cure might be regarded as over.

Scrap felt a deep sadness, recognizing the familiar signs of a persistent suitor and fearing the end of her peaceful retreat.

_Shows Scrap's experience with unwanted attention and her desire for solitude._

> He looked ashamed and entreating, like a guilty but devoted dog.

Ferdinand Arundel appeared both embarrassed and pleading, like a dog that knows it has done wrong but remains loyal.

_Describes Arundel's demeanor upon arriving uninvited._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_april_se/chapters/xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_april_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_enchanted_april_se/chapters