The Financier · Chapter
Chapter XLVI explained
Edward Butler confronts Frank Cowperwood after discovering that his daughter Aileen has run away from home.
What happens
Edward Butler confronts Frank Cowperwood after discovering that his daughter Aileen has run away from home. Butler demands to know her whereabouts and insists she return, while Cowperwood negotiates for Butler to drop his attacks and allow Aileen to stay in Philadelphia. Cowperwood reveals his love for Aileen and argues that her flight was due to Butler's harsh treatment. The chapter ends with Butler softening, agreeing to consider Cowperwood's terms in exchange for Aileen's return.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Cowperwood's love for Aileen is central, but it leads to betrayal of family trust and social norms.
Deception and Self-Justification
Cowperwood rationalizes his actions and manipulates Butler, while Butler deceives his wife about Aileen's disappearance.
Class and Social Mobility
Butler's concern for family reputation and social standing clashes with Cowperwood's ambition and disregard for convention.
Characters to notice
- Edward Malia Butler
Confronts Cowperwood about Aileen's disappearance, initially hostile but gradually becomes more willing to negotiate.
- Frank Algernon Cowperwood
Calmly faces Butler, defends his relationship with Aileen, and seeks to use the situation to his advantage.
- Aileen Butler
Has run away from home; her absence drives the confrontation between Butler and Cowperwood.
- Mrs. Butler
Briefly appears, unaware of Aileen's flight, and is told by Butler that Aileen will return.
Key passages
“He could take his wife into his confidence concerning all that was worrying him. On his desk, as he sat down and turned up the light, he saw the note. He recognized Aileen’s handwriting at once.”
Butler finds a note from Aileen on his desk and immediately recognizes her handwriting.
Butler discovers Aileen's departure through her note.
“So Aileen was gone. The old man stared at each word as if it had been written in fire.”
Butler reads the note with shock, realizing Aileen has left home.
Butler's reaction to Aileen's flight.
“I’ll make ye no promise. Tell me where my daughter is, and I’ll think the matter over.”
Butler refuses to commit but offers to consider Cowperwood's request if he reveals Aileen's location.
Butler's conditional offer to Cowperwood.
“I did not want Aileen to leave your home at all; and she will tell you so, if you ever talk to her about it.”
Cowperwood claims he tried to persuade Aileen to stay home.
Cowperwood's defense of his role in Aileen's flight.