# Confidence explained — The Eustace Diamonds

> Chapter companion for The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lizzie Eustace confesses to Lord George de Bruce Carruthers that she has the Eustace diamonds hidden in her desk, having taken them from the box herself. She seeks his help and protection, while he grapples with the implications of her secret and the legal dangers of perjury and theft.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Perjury

Lizzie's confession reveals her perjury at Carlisle and the ongoing deception about the diamonds' whereabouts.

### Property and Ownership

The central conflict over who legally owns the diamonds, with Lizzie insisting they are hers despite the Chancery lawsuit.

### Gender and Power

Lizzie's dependence on Lord George for protection and guidance highlights the power imbalance between men and women in Victorian society.

## Character check-ins

### Lizzie Eustace

Confesses to Lord George that she has the diamonds hidden in her desk and pleads for his help, revealing her fear and dependence.

### Lord George de Bruce Carruthers

Learns the truth about the diamonds and struggles with what to do, torn between protecting Lizzie and avoiding legal peril.

### Frank Greystock

Mentioned as Lizzie's cousin and a lawyer whose opinion she cites regarding the diamonds being her own.

### Mr. Camperdown

Referenced as the lawyer pursuing the diamonds on behalf of the Eustace estate.

### Mr. Benjamin

Mentioned as a potential buyer for the diamonds, but Lord George warns he cannot be trusted.

## Key lines

> I’ll never give them up to Mr. Camperdown. They are mine;—my very own. My cousin, Mr. Greystock, who is much more of a lawyer than Mr. Camperdown, says so.

Lizzie insists she will never surrender the diamonds to Mr. Camperdown, claiming they are rightfully hers and citing her cousin Frank Greystock's legal opinion.

_Lizzie's defiance and reliance on Frank's authority to justify her claim._

> You will be true to me;—will you not? ... Oh, George, I have no friend now but you. You will care for me?

Lizzie pleads for Lord George's loyalty and care, expressing her isolation and dependence on him.

_Lizzie's emotional appeal underscores her vulnerability and need for a protector._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters/li-confidence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eustace_diamonds_se/chapters