The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
Lizzie's Last Lover explained
Lizzie receives a dismissive note from Mrs.
What happens
Lizzie receives a dismissive note from Mrs. Carbuncle, responds with an insulting demand for repayment of a loan and return of silver, but realizes her efforts are futile. She reads a newspaper exposé about the Eustace diamonds, which angers her. She then receives a letter from Lord Fawn definitively breaking their engagement, which stings despite her expectations. She composes a backdated, scornful reply. Later, Mr. Emilius proposes, but Lizzie, still hoping for Frank Greystock, declines, though she is aware of his mercenary motives.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Perjury
Lizzie backdates her letter to Lord Fawn to appear as though she rejected him first, continuing her pattern of deceit.
Marriage as Transaction
Mr. Emilius pursues Lizzie for her money, and Lizzie considers Lord Fawn's proposal in terms of social and financial security, highlighting marriage as a mercenary arrangement.
Class and Privilege
Lizzie's indignation at the newspaper's interference reflects her sense of aristocratic entitlement to privacy, while her financial disputes with Mrs. Carbuncle reveal the precariousness of social standing.
Characters to notice
- Lizzie Eustace
Receives a cold note from Mrs. Carbuncle, writes a retaliatory letter, reads a scandalous newspaper article about the diamonds, receives and responds to Lord Fawn's final rejection, and rejects a proposal from Mr. Emilius.
- Mrs. Carbuncle
Sends Lizzie a note severing their acquaintance and making arrangements to leave the house; Lizzie writes to her demanding repayment of a loan and return of silver.
- Lord Fawn
Sends Lizzie a letter definitively breaking their engagement, citing the diamond scandal; Lizzie responds with a backdated, scornful letter.
- Mr. Emilius
Proposes marriage to Lizzie, who declines; he is calculating and in pursuit of her money.
- Frank Greystock
Mentioned as the man Lizzie still hopes to marry, causing her to reject Mr. Emilius.
Key passages
“Lord Fawn presents his compliments to Lady Eustace. Lady Eustace will be kind enough to understand that Lord Fawn recedes altogether from the proposition made by him in his letter to Lady Eustace dated March 28th last.”
Lord Fawn formally withdraws his marriage proposal to Lizzie, stating he will have no further personal communication with her.
This letter marks the final dissolution of their engagement, a key plot point.
“I have taken a week to answer the letter which your lordship has done me the honour of writing to me, because I have thought it best to have time for consideration in a matter of such importance. In this I have copied your lordship's official caution.”
Lizzie writes a backdated reply to Lord Fawn, claiming she took time to consider his proposal, though she actually received his withdrawal first.
Lizzie's attempt to save face by fabricating a timeline of events.