The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
XXIX: “I Had Better Go Away” explained
Lucy Morris, having twice accused Lord Fawn of speaking an untruth about Frank Greystock, feels deeply remorseful yet resolute.
What happens
Lucy Morris, having twice accused Lord Fawn of speaking an untruth about Frank Greystock, feels deeply remorseful yet resolute. She avoids breakfast and confides in Lydia Fawn, expecting Lady Fawn to dismiss her. Lord Fawn broods over his miserable engagement to Lizzie Eustace and his wounded pride. Lady Fawn, torn between loyalty to her son and affection for Lucy, eventually speaks with Lucy, who insists that she must leave rather than stay where Frank is maligned. Lucy proposes to consult Frank and possibly move to the deanery, and Lady Fawn reluctantly accepts her decision.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Privilege
Lord Fawn's status as a peer and Undersecretary of State gives him an assumed right to speak unchallenged, while Lucy's position as a governess makes her defiance a social transgression.
Truth vs. Appearance
Lucy struggles with the distinction between a lie and an untruth, and Lord Fawn is more concerned with the appearance of respect than with the truth of his statements.
Marriage as Transaction
Lord Fawn's engagement to Lizzie Eustace is portrayed as a source of misery, bound by social obligation and the diamond dispute rather than affection.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Morris
Accuses Lord Fawn of speaking an untruth about Frank Greystock, feels guilty but stands by her conviction; decides she must leave Lady Fawn's house.
- Lord Fawn
Stalks away after being accused by Lucy, broods over his engagement to Lizzie Eustace and the insults he has endured; considers Lucy impertinent.
- Lydia Fawn
Meets Lucy in the hall, learns of the quarrel, and promises to bring her breakfast.
- Lady Fawn
Perplexed by the conflict, torn between her son's privilege and her affection for Lucy; eventually speaks with Lucy and allows her to seek another home.
- Frank Greystock
Mentioned as Lucy's lover; Lord Fawn considers him a scoundrel, but Lucy defends his honor.
- Lizzie Eustace
Mentioned as Lord Fawn's fiancée; her treatment of him and the diamond dispute contribute to his misery.
Key passages
“It was untrue all the same, she said to herself, as she stood still on the gravel walk, watching the rapid disappearance of Lord Fawn, and endeavouring to think what she had better now do with herself.”
Lucy reflects that despite her regret, she still believes Lord Fawn's words were false, and she considers her next steps.
Lucy's internal conflict between guilt and conviction.
“I had better go away.”
Lucy concludes that leaving Lady Fawn's house is the best course of action.
Lucy's decision to remove herself from a situation where Frank is disparaged.