The Eustace Diamonds · Chapter
It Won't Be True explained
Lucy Morris decides to leave Fawn Court after her outburst against Lord Fawn, despite Lady Fawn's attempts to keep her.
What happens
Lucy Morris decides to leave Fawn Court after her outburst against Lord Fawn, despite Lady Fawn's attempts to keep her. She apologizes to Lord Fawn and makes peace with him, but insists on moving to Lady Linlithgow's house as arranged by Frank Greystock. The chapter explores the family's anxiety over Frank's potential betrayal and Lucy's unwavering faith in him.
Themes in this chapter
Truth vs. Appearance
Lucy's steadfast belief in Frank's fidelity contrasts with the family's suspicions based on Mrs. Hittaway's letter, highlighting the tension between perceived truth and actual loyalty.
Class and Privilege
Lucy's position as a governess and her engagement to Frank, a man of higher social standing, create conflicts within the Fawn family, reflecting class-based anxieties.
Social Climbing and Ambition
The family's fear that Frank may marry his rich cousin Lizzie Eustace for social advancement underscores the theme of ambition over genuine affection.
Characters to notice
- Lucy Morris
Lucy resolves to leave Fawn Court, apologizes to Lord Fawn, and expresses unwavering faith in Frank Greystock.
- Lady Fawn
Lady Fawn tries to persuade Lucy to stay, showing maternal concern and reluctance to see her go to Lady Linlithgow.
- Lord Fawn
Lord Fawn accepts Lucy's apology and shakes hands with her, indicating a tentative reconciliation.
- Amelia
Amelia is skeptical of Frank Greystock's fidelity and influences her mother's doubts about Lucy's future.
- Frank Greystock
Frank's letter to Lucy supports her move to Lady Linlithgow, and Lucy defends his honor against family suspicions.
- Augusta Fawn
Augusta feels excluded from family discussions and questions Lucy's departure.
Key passages
“Till he tells her, or till she knows that he's married, she'll never believe it.”
Amelia asserts that Lucy will only accept Frank's unfaithfulness if he directly tells her or if she learns of his marriage to another woman.
This highlights Lucy's unwavering trust in Frank despite external doubts.
“Everything now must be no more than waiting till he comes.”
Lucy declares that her entire life is now focused on waiting for Frank to marry her.
This reflects Lucy's devotion and the central theme of patient hope.
“I do go to prison, and when he comes I feel that I ought to go to prison.”
Lucy compares her avoidance of Lord Fawn to being imprisoned, suggesting she feels compelled to hide when he visits.
This metaphor underscores the social discomfort and constraint Lucy experiences at Fawn Court.