The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
Lucy Morris explained
The narrator clarifies that Lady Eustace is not the heroine; instead, Lucy Morris, a governess in Lady Fawn's household, is introduced.
What happens
The narrator clarifies that Lady Eustace is not the heroine; instead, Lucy Morris, a governess in Lady Fawn's household, is introduced. Lucy's background, her friendship with Lizzie, her talents, and her position in the Fawn family are described, along with the cautious dynamic regarding Frank Greystock.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Privilege
Lucy's position as a governess is contrasted with Lizzie's wealth; Lady Fawn's concern about Frank Greystock's visits underscores the social barriers between a governess and a barrister.
Marriage as Transaction
Lord Fawn is expected to marry for money, and Mrs. Dean hopes Frank will marry an heiress, highlighting the economic motives behind marriage.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Morris
Introduced as a governess at Fawn Court, a 'treasure' known for her brightness and competence; she has known Lizzie since childhood.
- Lizzie Eustace
Mentioned as a wealthy widow and old friend of Lucy; her visits to Richmond are allowed by Lady Fawn.
- Frank Greystock
The barrister son of the dean; he found Lucy a 'most agreeable companion' but is warned by his mother about the impropriety of courting a governess.
- Lady Fawn
Lucy's employer; she values Lucy but disapproves of visits from Frank Greystock and thinks a governess should not be eager to marry.
- Lord Fawn
The eldest son, a peer and Undersecretary of State; he consults Lucy and shows friendship, but is expected to marry for money.
- Mrs. Hittaway
Lady Fawn's eldest daughter; it is anticipated that Lucy will eventually be transferred to her household.
Key passages
“The real heroine, if it be found possible to arrange her drapery for her becomingly, and to put that part which she enacted into properly heroic words, shall stalk in among us at some considerably later period of the narrative”
The true heroine may appear later in the story, once the author is ready to present her actions in a suitably heroic manner.
The narrator hints that Lucy Morris may eventually be revealed as the heroine.
“She was a sweetly social, genial little human being whose presence in the house was ever felt to be like sunshine.”
Lucy's cheerful and sociable nature brightened the entire household.
Describes Lucy's positive impact on the Fawn family.
“Lady Fawn fully appreciated her treasure, and was, and ever had been, conscientiously anxious to make Lucy's life happy. But she thought that a governess should not be desirous of marrying, at any rate till a somewhat advanced period of life.”
Lady Fawn valued Lucy and wanted her to be happy, but believed a governess should not seek marriage until much older.
Highlights the restrictive expectations placed on governesses.