The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
A Great Scheme, and Who Balked It explained
Henry Esmond and his fellow conspirators prepare to strike for the Pretender as Queen Anne lies dying, but their plot unravels when the Prince disappears, lured away by Beatrix Esmond.
What happens
Henry Esmond and his fellow conspirators prepare to strike for the Pretender as Queen Anne lies dying, but their plot unravels when the Prince disappears, lured away by Beatrix Esmond. Despite having military support and a majority in the Council, the absence of their leader allows the Whig dukes Argyle and Somerset to seize control, and the Jacobite scheme collapses.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Loyalty
The chapter explores the shifting loyalties of politicians and military leaders during the succession crisis, with Bolingbroke's treachery and the Whigs' decisive action.
Honor and Sacrifice
Esmond's sleepless dedication to the cause and the generals' willingness to fight for the Prince contrast with the Prince's personal betrayal for love.
Love and Duty
The Prince's abandonment of the plot to follow Beatrix illustrates the conflict between romantic passion and political duty.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
The Colonel is the chief organizer of the Jacobite plot, spending sleepless nights summoning supporters and watching for the Prince.
- Beatrix Esmond
Her note to Frank Castlewood reveals she has been sent away to Castlewood, and her flight lures the Prince away from the conspiracy.
- Frank Castlewood
Acts as Esmond's aide-de-camp, delivers the fatal note from Beatrix, and helps rally the troops.
- Lady Castlewood
Blesses Esmond and Frank as they depart for the plot, then goes to her chamber to pray.
- Henry St. John
Lord Bolingbroke is portrayed as a treacherous double-dealer who betrays both King George and the Pretender.
- Duke of Ormonde
Present at the Council meeting and a key figure in the Jacobite plan, commanding the Guards.
- Chevalier de St. George
The Pretender, referred to as 'Mr. George' or 'the Prince,' whose disappearance ruins the scheme.
- General Webb
One of the generals present at the King's Arms, eager to fight Marlborough, and waves his crutch at the prospect.
Key passages
“As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, as soon as it is cool; a hundred names of men, high in repute and favoring the Prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”
Many prominent men secretly supported the Pretender, but their names would only have been revealed if the conspiracy had succeeded.
Esmond reflects on the hidden loyalties of the time.
“He signed his own name to every accusation of insincerity his enemies made against him; and the King and the Pretender alike could show proofs of St. John’s treachery under his own hand and seal.”
Bolingbroke's own writings proved his duplicity to both sides.
Esmond condemns Bolingbroke's double-dealing.
“Beatrix Esmond is sent away to prison, to Castlewood, where she will pray for happier days.”
Beatrix has been confined at Castlewood as punishment.
The note that reveals Beatrix's fate and lures the Prince away.
“Having had your noon’s draught, you had best pay the reckoning and go home; there can be no game where there is no one to play it.”
Since the Prince has disappeared, the plot is abandoned and the conspirators should disperse.
Esmond's bitter announcement to the assembled officers.
