# Two in a Turret explained — The Perfume of Eros

> Chapter companion for The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus.

## What happens

Annandale, recovering from Sylvia's rejection, invites Fanny Price to a secluded tower at the Narragansett Casino. He proposes marriage, but Fanny declines, revealing her lingering feelings for Loftus, who has gone abroad with Marie Leroy. Mrs. Price later confronts Fanny about missing the chance to marry Loftus, while Fanny watches a hope fade like a distant sail.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Deception

Annandale's proposal to Fanny is partly a rebound from Sylvia, while Fanny hides her true feelings for Loftus.

### Social Class and Marriage

Mrs. Price's obsession with a brilliant match reflects the era's emphasis on wealth in marriage.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Fanny's playful demeanor masks her fading hope, and Annandale's courtship appears genuine but is driven by pique.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Annandale

Proposes to Fanny in the tower, still affected by Sylvia's rejection but drawn to Fanny's light.

### Fanny

Declines Annandale's proposal, hints at caring for Loftus, and watches a hope fade.

### Mrs. Price

Scolds Fanny for not securing Loftus, obsessed with a brilliant match.

### Sylvia Waldron

Mentioned as the one who broke Annandale's heart, leading to his current state.

### Royal Loftus

Reported to be abroad with Marie Leroy, the object of Fanny's hidden affection.

## Key lines

> Fanny was looking at the ocean. A white sail was fainting in the distance. Like it, a hope she had had was fading away.

Fanny gazes at a distant sail, symbolizing her dwindling hope.

_Metaphor for Fanny's emotional state regarding Loftus._

> Will you marry me?

Annandale proposes to Fanny.

_Central proposal scene in the tower._

> I do not believe you are [interested in Loftus]. But if I am wrong, it is hardly disloyalty to him to say that he is not good enough for you.

Annandale doubts Fanny's interest in Loftus and criticizes Loftus's worth.

_Annandale's attempt to undermine Loftus._

> You might have had Loftus. Where is he, do you know? Abroad, I hear. With that creature?

Mrs. Price scolds Fanny for losing Loftus, who is now abroad with Marie Leroy.

_Mrs. Price's materialism and concern for social standing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/viii-two-in-a-turret
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters