The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
We Entertain a Very Distinguished Guest at Kensington explained
The chapter details the tense atmosphere at the Castlewood household in Kensington as they prepare for a secret plan to present the Stuart Pretender (the Chevalier de St.
What happens
The chapter details the tense atmosphere at the Castlewood household in Kensington as they prepare for a secret plan to present the Stuart Pretender (the Chevalier de St. George) to Queen Anne. Beatrix returns the diamonds Henry gave her, leading to a bitter confrontation with her mother, Lady Castlewood. Meanwhile, the political intrigue intensifies with the arrival of Doctor A. and the Bishop of Rochester, who orchestrate the Prince's presentation at court. The narrative also reflects on the selfish and treacherous nature of the great political figures of the time, including Marlborough, Harley, and St. John.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Kinship
The bitter conflict between Beatrix and Lady Castlewood reveals deep familial rifts, jealousy, and a lack of understanding, highlighting the strain within the Esmond family.
Politics and Loyalty
The chapter explores the treacherous political landscape of Queen Anne's court, where loyalty is secondary to personal ambition, as seen in the double dealings of Marlborough, Harley, and St. John.
Love and Duty
Beatrix's return of the diamonds symbolizes the end of her romantic connection with Henry, while her duty to the political plot conflicts with her personal pride and emotions.
Characters to notice
- Beatrix Esmond
Returns the diamonds to Henry in a defiant act, leading to a painful argument with her mother. She is proud and hurt, feeling betrayed and unloved.
- Lady Castlewood
Stern and unforgiving in her confrontation with Beatrix, she delivers a cruel blow by pointing out the miniature of the late Duke. She agrees that Beatrix should leave London during the Prince's visit.
- Henry Esmond
Receives back the diamonds he gave to Beatrix. He is secretly pleased at the proposal to send Beatrix away, though he remains outwardly reserved.
- Frank Castlewood
Bluntly suggests that Beatrix should be elsewhere during the Prince's stay, showing his straightforward nature.
- Chevalier de St. George
The 'very distinguished guest' at Kensington, the Stuart Pretender, who is being prepared for a secret audience with Queen Anne.
- Francis Atterbury
The Bishop of Rochester, a key conspirator in the plan to present the Prince to the Queen, breakfasts with the family and helps coordinate the day's events.
- Lady Masham
The court favorite and a chief agent in the plot, she provides the key for the private garden where the meeting is to take place.
- Henry St. John
Described as brilliant but selfish, playing a double game between Hanover and St. Germains, and scheming to supplant Harley as the head of government.
Key passages
“I have brought back to the Marquis of Esmond the present he deigned to make me in days when he trusted me better than now. I will never accept a benefit or a kindness from Henry Esmond more, and I give back these family diamonds, which belonged to one king's mistress, to the gentleman that suspected I would be another.”
Beatrix returns the diamonds to Henry, declaring she will never accept anything from him again, and accuses him of suspecting her of infidelity.
This moment marks a definitive break in Beatrix and Henry's relationship, driven by pride and mutual distrust.
“I think Beatrix had best be anywhere but here.”
Frank bluntly suggests that Beatrix should leave the house while the Prince is staying there.
Frank's straightforward comment reflects the family's consensus that Beatrix's presence is a liability given the Prince's interest in her.
“In half an hour, says he, her Majesty and her favorite lady will take the air in the Cedar-walk behind the new Banqueting-house. Her Majesty will be drawn in a garden-chair, Madam Beatrix Esmond and her brother, my Lord Viscount Castlewood, will be walking in the private garden, (here is Lady Masham's key,) and will come unawares upon the Royal party.”
Doctor A. outlines the plan for Beatrix and Frank to 'accidentally' encounter the Queen in the garden, allowing Frank to be presented as her brother.
This is the central political scheme of the chapter, a carefully staged meeting to introduce the Stuart Pretender to Queen Anne.
“Think of the great Marlborough, the greatest subject in all the world, a conqueror of princes, that had marched victorious over Germany, Flanders, and France, that had given the law to sovereigns abroad, and been worshipped as a divinity at home, forced to sneak out of England—his credit, honors, places, all taken from him; his friends in the army broke and ruined; and flying before Harley, as abject and powerless as a poor debtor before a bailiff with a writ.”
The narrator reflects on the dramatic fall of the Duke of Marlborough, who was driven from England by Harley's political machinations, losing all his power and influence.
This passage illustrates the ruthless and shifting nature of political power during Queen Anne's reign.
