The Ladies Lindores · Chapter
Chapter XL explained
Lord Millefleurs proposes to Edith, but she gently refuses him, revealing her feelings for John Erskine.
What happens
Lord Millefleurs proposes to Edith, but she gently refuses him, revealing her feelings for John Erskine. Millefleurs accepts her decision gracefully, and they agree to remain friends. Meanwhile, Lady Caroline and Lady Lindores support Edith's choice, and Edith writes an impassioned letter to John Erskine, expressing her sympathy and indignation over his situation.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Transaction
Lord Lindores and Rintoul push for Edith to marry Millefleurs for his title and wealth, while Edith resists.
Love and Romantic Idealism
Edith's refusal of Millefleurs is driven by her feelings for John Erskine, despite the social advantages of the match.
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Edith asserts her own choice in marriage, supported by her mother and sister, against her father's ambitions.
Characters to notice
- Edith Lindores
Refuses Millefleurs's proposal, revealing her feelings for John Erskine; writes an impassioned letter to John.
- Lord Millefleurs
Proposes to Edith, is refused, but accepts gracefully and declares they are friends for life.
- Lady Caroline Torrance
Supports Edith's choice, whispering that she will always stand by her.
- Lady Lindores
Supports Edith's decision, though privately hopes for the match; advises Edith to remember Millefleurs's good heart.
- Lord Lindores
Anxious for the match, but Millefleurs resents his interference.
- John Erskine
Edith writes him a letter of sympathy and indignation; nothing has been done for him despite promises.
Key passages
“I am almost as fond of dear Lady Lindores as I am of you. Nothing could be more jolly (to use a vulgar word—for I hate slang) than the life we should lead.”
Millefleurs tells Edith he loves her mother almost as much as her, and describes the happy life they could have together.
Millefleurs's proposal, emphasizing companionship and travel.
“Do you think that if I could consent (which I cannot: it is impossible), do you think it would not be a surprise, and perhaps a painful one, to—the other lady—if she heard you were coming to America so ?”
Edith asks Millefleurs if the woman he previously loved would be hurt by his sudden plan to marry her and go to America.
Edith deflects the proposal by referencing Millefleurs's past attachment.
“She said she regarded me as a mother, don’t you know? There is something very strange in these things.”
Millefleurs explains that the other woman treated him like a mother and refused him, which he finds odd.
Reveals Millefleurs's previous romantic disappointment.
“I have been telling dear Edith of a very great crisis in my life. She understands me perfectly, dear Lady Lindores. I am very sorry to tell you that she will not marry me; but we are friends for life.”
Millefleurs informs Lady Lindores that Edith has refused him, but they remain close friends.
Millefleurs's graceful acceptance of the refusal.
“Another of us shall not do it; oh, not if I can help it!”
Caroline vows that Edith will not be forced into a marriage like her own.
Caroline's determination to protect Edith from a similar fate.
