The Perpetual Curate · Chapter
Chapter VII explained
Frank Wentworth visits his aunts at the Blue Boar, where Miss Leonora makes clear that Skelmersdale is not an option for him.
What happens
Frank Wentworth visits his aunts at the Blue Boar, where Miss Leonora makes clear that Skelmersdale is not an option for him. Despite the disappointment, Frank is buoyed by the prospect of seeing Lucy Wodehouse. He leaves and goes to the Wodehouse home, where he is met secretly by Miss Wodehouse, who reveals a troubling family secret. He then enters to find Mr. Wodehouse unwell and Lucy distant, and departs with a plea from Miss Wodehouse to keep her informed.
Themes in this chapter
Family Duty and Loyalty
Frank's aunts discuss his future and their responsibility toward him, while Miss Wodehouse is driven by duty to her father to reveal the family secret.
Love and Marriage
Frank's anticipation of seeing Lucy and the underlying romantic tension between them is central to his emotional state in this chapter.
Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment
Miss Leonora's dismissal of Skelmersdale and her judgment of Julia Trench's prospects hint at the moral and social calculations behind family decisions.
Characters to notice
- Frank Wentworth
Visits his aunts, learns Skelmersdale is unlikely, but is exhilarated by the thought of seeing Lucy. Later goes to the Wodehouse house and is drawn into a family secret.
- Leonora Wentworth
Dominant aunt who firmly tells Frank that Skelmersdale is not possible and that Julia Trench has other prospects.
- Cecilia Wentworth
Silent but affectionate aunt; she gently presses Frank's hand and later slips something into his hand as he leaves.
- Dora Wentworth
Emotional and anxious aunt who clings to Frank, asking for advice on how to stand up to Leonora.
- Lucy Wodehouse
Present in the drawing-room; she is initially distant with Frank after being teased by her father, but later tends to her sister.
- Mr. Wodehouse
Lying on the sofa, looking less rosy than usual, as if startled by a possible shadow of a ghost.
Key passages
“Satire is lost upon me, said Miss Leonora, and we are going tomorrow.”
Miss Leonora ignores Frank's ironic comment and announces their departure the next day.
Shows Miss Leonora's refusal to engage with Frank's humor and her control over the visit.
“I shall certainly find time, said the nephew, with equal politeness; and now you will permit me to say good night, for I have a—one of my sick people to visit.”
Frank politely agrees to see them off but excuses himself to visit a sick parishioner.
Highlights Frank's dedication to his clerical duties and his eagerness to leave for Lucy's house.
“Let me know! she said in a whisper; and, not satisfied still, went to the door with him, and lingered upon the stair, following slowly. Oh, Mr. Wentworth! be sure you let me know, she repeated, again looking wistfully after him as he disappeared into the dark garden, going out.”
Miss Wodehouse whispers to Frank to keep her informed, following him to the door and repeating her plea as he leaves.
Emphasizes her anxiety and the gravity of the secret she has shared.