The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
Mr. and Mrs. Hittaway in Scotland explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. and Mrs. Hittaway are guests at Lady Pierrepoint's estate in Dumfries, Scotland, as part of their annual aristocratic holiday. Mrs. Hittaway, determined to stop Lord Fawn's engagement to Lizzie Eustace, has been investigating Lizzie's conduct. She interviews Mr. Gowran, a local agent, and gathers evidence that Lizzie is carrying on an indecent relationship with her cousin Frank Greystock. She writes a letter to her sister Amelia detailing her findings and urging her mother to speak to Lord Fawn, exposing Lizzie's behavior and questioning Frank's intentions with Lucy Morris.
Themes in this chapter
Social Climbing and Ambition
The Hittaways' careful cultivation of aristocratic connections and their annual Scottish visits illustrate the social striving required to maintain status on a modest income.
Deception and Perjury
Mrs. Hittaway's investigation reveals Lizzie's deceptive behavior—continuing a relationship with Frank Greystock while claiming engagement to Lord Fawn, and her ongoing claim to the diamonds.
Marriage as Transaction
Mrs. Hittaway argues that Frank Greystock, being in debt, must marry for money, and that Lord Fawn's honor should not bind him to a woman who has deceived him.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Hittaway
Guest at Lady Pierrepoint's; actively investigates Lizzie Eustace's conduct, interviews Mr. Gowran, and writes to her sister Amelia about Lizzie's relationship with Frank Greystock.
- Mr. Hittaway
Chairman of the Board of Civil Appeals; accompanies his wife to Scotland as a guest at Lady Pierrepoint's estate.
- Lizzie Eustace
Subject of Mrs. Hittaway's investigation; accused of continuing an indecent relationship with her cousin Frank Greystock while still claiming engagement to Lord Fawn.
- Frank Greystock
Lizzie's cousin; reported to have been seen embracing and kissing Lizzie, raising questions about his intentions with Lucy Morris.
- Lord Fawn
Engaged to Lizzie Eustace but reluctant to proceed; Mrs. Hittaway seeks to inform him of Lizzie's behavior to break the engagement.
- Lucy Morris
Governess at Fawn Court; Mrs. Hittaway doubts Frank Greystock will marry her, suggesting he is pursuing Lizzie for money.
- Amelia
Mrs. Hittaway's sister; recipient of the letter detailing Lizzie's misconduct and the request to involve their mother.
- Lady Pierrepoint
Hostess of the Hittaways at Dumdum House in Dumfries; described as an old friend with a large house and good income.
Key passages
“She actually went down to Troon and had an interview with Mr. Gowran, using freely the names of Mr. Camperdown and of Lord Fawn; and some ten days afterwards Mr. Gowran travelled as far as Dumfries, and Dumdum, and had an interview with Mrs. Hittaway.”
Mrs. Hittaway personally traveled to Troon to meet with Mr. Gowran, invoking the authority of Mr. Camperdown and Lord Fawn, and later Mr. Gowran came to Dumfries to report back to her.
Shows Mrs. Hittaway's active espionage and use of influential names to gather evidence against Lizzie.
“She still sticks to the diamonds—if she has not sold them, as I believe she has; and Mr. Camperdown is going to bring an action against her in the High Court of Chancery.”
Lizzie continues to hold onto the diamonds, which Mrs. Hittaway suspects she may have sold, and legal action is being prepared by Mr. Camperdown.
Highlights the ongoing legal dispute over the Eustace diamonds and Lizzie's refusal to relinquish them.
“He is over head and ears in debt, and if he marries at all, he must marry someone with money.”
Frank Greystock is deeply in debt and can only marry a wealthy woman.
Reflects the transactional view of marriage and Frank's financial motives.
