The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
VIII: I Travel to France and Bring Home a Portrait of Rigaud explained
Colonel Esmond travels privately to France under the alias Monsieur Simon, visiting Frank Castlewood in Brussels and then the Chevalier de St.
What happens
Colonel Esmond travels privately to France under the alias Monsieur Simon, visiting Frank Castlewood in Brussels and then the Chevalier de St. George at Bar, where he finds the prince in a drunken state. He lays his daring scheme before the prince and his advisers, meets the Duke of Berwick, and pays his respects at St. Germains. Meanwhile, Beatrix returns to court, and Lady Castlewood prepares for Frank's expected arrival, all while Esmond's secret plan unfolds.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Loyalty
Esmond navigates Jacobite intrigue, balancing loyalty to the Stuart cause with doubts about the prince's fitness to rule.
Family and Kinship
Esmond's scheme relies on Frank's resemblance to the Chevalier, and family bonds are tested by secrecy and duty.
Honor and Sacrifice
Esmond risks his safety and reputation for a cause he privately doubts, reflecting on honor and personal sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Travels to France under the alias Monsieur Simon, carrying out a secret scheme involving the Chevalier de St. George.
- Frank Castlewood
Found in Brussels, married to Clotilda, and enthusiastically supports Esmond's plan, especially as it allows him to escape his in-laws.
- Beatrix Esmond
Returns to court after Duke Hamilton's death, resuming her duties and gaining favor with Mrs. Masham.
- Lady Castlewood
Dismisses old servants and prepares for Frank's return, keeping Esmond's secret.
- Chevalier de St. George
Found playing tennis and later drunk at cards; Esmond presents his plan to the prince and his advisers.
- Duke of Berwick
Esmond meets the Duke, who recognizes him and discusses the Stuart cause; hints at knowledge of Esmond's parentage.
- Clotilda
Frank's wife, described as clinging to him; her family imposes on Frank's hospitality in Brussels.
- Francis Atterbury
Helps Esmond procure a pass for travel to France.
Key passages
“The young king, in a flannel jacket, was at tennis with the gentlemen of his suite, crying out after the balls, and swearing like the meanest of his subjects.”
The prince was playing tennis in casual clothes, shouting and cursing like a commoner.
Highlights the unkingly behavior of the Chevalier de St. George.
“He cared more for three honors than three kingdoms; and a half-dozen glasses of ratafia made him forget all his woes and his losses, his father's crown, and his grandfather's head.”
He was more interested in card tricks than in reclaiming a throne, and a few drinks erased all memory of his family's tragedies.
Emphasizes the prince's frivolity and unsuitability for rule.
“The whole race were at free quarters in the little castle nigh to Bruxelles which Frank had taken; rode his horses; drank his wine; and lived easily at the poor lad's charges.”
Clotilda's entire family lived off Frank's hospitality, using his horses and wine without contributing.
Illustrates Frank's financial strain due to his in-laws.
