The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
In Hertford Street explained
In this chapter, tensions rise in Mrs.
What happens
In this chapter, tensions rise in Mrs. Carbuncle's household as Sir Griffin Tewett, engaged to Lucinda Roanoke, repeatedly suggests that Lizzie Eustace should leave due to the scandal over the stolen diamonds. Lord George de Bruce Carruthers defends Lizzie and snubs Sir Griffin, while Lucinda openly scorns her fiancé. Lizzie appears pale and distressed, and Lord George vents his frustration at being suspected of the theft, even mentioning Mr. Benjamin's insinuations. The chapter highlights the strain on all characters as the police investigation continues.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Perjury
Lizzie's feigned illness and her careful listening to Lord George's account of Mr. Benjamin's insinuations highlight the pervasive deception surrounding the stolen diamonds.
Marriage as Transaction
Sir Griffin's determination to marry Lucinda despite her hatred, and Mrs. Carbuncle's anxiety for the marriage to proceed, underscore marriage as a social and financial transaction.
Class and Privilege
The characters' concern with reputation and the police's differential treatment of the wealthy reflect class-based assumptions about guilt and innocence.
Characters to notice
- Lizzie Eustace
Appears pale and weary, distressed by the police suspicion and the proposed search; listens intently to Lord George's complaints.
- Lord George de Bruce Carruthers
Angrily defends himself against suspicion of stealing the diamonds, snubs Sir Griffin, and mentions Mr. Benjamin's insinuations.
- Sir Griffin Tewett
Engaged to Lucinda, repeatedly suggests Lizzie should leave the house; is snubbed by Lord George and openly scorned by Lucinda.
- Lucinda Roanoke
Openly scorns Sir Griffin, tells him she wishes he had stayed away, and declares she may be nobody's wife.
- Mrs. Carbuncle
Anxious for the marriage to proceed, defends Lizzie's presence in the house, and tries to manage the quarrels between Sir Griffin and others.
Key passages
“I don’t suppose that he suspects poor Lady Eustace, but he thinks that my aunt’s friend should be like Caesar’s wife, above the suspicion of others.”
Lucinda says Sir Griffin doesn't necessarily suspect Lizzie, but believes Lizzie should be beyond reproach like Caesar's wife.
Lucinda defends Lizzie while criticizing Sir Griffin's insinuations.
“I shall begin to think soon that I did take them, myself—or, at any rate, that I ought to have done so.”
Lord George says the suspicion is so pervasive that he almost feels he must have stolen the diamonds, or at least should have.
Lord George expresses his frustration at being suspected of the theft.