The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
X: An Old Story About a Fool and a Woman explained
Henry Esmond returns to London after the Blenheim campaign and finds the town captivated by the beauty and charm of his young kinsman, Lord Castlewood, and his sister Beatrix.
What happens
Henry Esmond returns to London after the Blenheim campaign and finds the town captivated by the beauty and charm of his young kinsman, Lord Castlewood, and his sister Beatrix. Lord Castlewood wins favor with the Dowager Lady Castlewood and the Duchess of Marlborough, while Beatrix continues her conquests. Esmond, now a lieutenant, meets his future commander General Webb, a handsome and self-satisfied officer who harbors a rivalry with the Duke of Marlborough. A court squabble between the Duchess and a Popish lady (likely Beatrix) embarrasses Esmond. Meanwhile, Lady Castlewood has moved to Kensington after her father's death, and her son's university career ended in scandal after a riotous celebration of King James's birthday.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
The chapter explores the social rise of the Castlewood family through beauty and favor at court, contrasting with General Webb's pride in his ancient lineage versus the Churchills' rise.
Politics and Loyalty
Jacobite loyalty is evident in the Dean's deathbed principles and Lord Castlewood's riotous toast to King James; court politics influence promotions and favor.
Family and Kinship
The bonds between the Castlewood family members are highlighted: Lady Castlewood's care for her children, the Dowager's affection for young Frank, and Esmond's place as a kinsman.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Returns to London after Blenheim, now a lieutenant and aide-de-camp; meets General Webb; embarrassed by a court squabble involving his kinswoman.
- Beatrix Esmond
Now a maid of honor, her beauty is celebrated in songs and toasts; involved in a dispute with the Duchess of Marlborough at court.
- Frank Castlewood
Young Lord Castlewood, ensign and lieutenant in the Duke of Ormond's regiment, is celebrated for his good looks and charm; favored by the Dowager and Duchess.
- Lady Castlewood
Moved to Kensington after her father's death; inherited £3,000; brings her children to London for Beatrix's court service.
- Dowager Lady Castlewood
Falls in love with young Lord Castlewood at first sight, superseding Esmond in her favor.
- General Webb
Colonel of the Fusileer regiment; a handsome, self-satisfied officer who rivals the Duke of Marlborough; Esmond pays his respects to him in London.
- Richard Steele
Esmond's friend; praises Lord Castlewood's charm and compares him to Prince Hal; witnesses the court squabble between the Duchess and Beatrix.
- Lady Marlborough
The Duchess of Marlborough, Mistress of the Robes, takes a liking to young Lord Castlewood but is cold to Beatrix; engages in a dispute with Beatrix at court.
Key passages
“The lad looks good things, Mr. Steele used to say; and his laugh lights up a conversation as much as ten repartees from Mr. Congreve.”
Steele remarked that Lord Castlewood's cheerful demeanor and laugh enlivened any discussion as much as many witty remarks from Congreve.
Steele praises Frank's natural charm over formal wit.
“He was my boy's friend, she said, through her sobs. My Blandford might have been like him.”
The Duchess of Marlborough wept, saying that young Castlewood reminded her of her deceased son Blandford, whom he might have resembled.
The Duchess's emotional reaction shows her grief and favor toward Frank.
“We were gentlemen, Esmond, he used to say, when the Churchills were horse-boys.”
General Webb often boasted that his family were gentlemen long before the Churchills were mere stable hands.
Webb's pride in his ancient lineage contrasts with the Duke of Marlborough's rise.
