The Perpetual Curate · Chapter
Chapter XLVII explained
Carlingford buzzes with two major rumors: Rosa Elsworthy's disappearance and the impending good fortune of Frank Wentworth.
What happens
Carlingford buzzes with two major rumors: Rosa Elsworthy's disappearance and the impending good fortune of Frank Wentworth. Rosa leaves a defiant letter claiming she will be made a lady, while speculation about Frank's future ranges from a brotherhood to a bishopric. At the Rectory dinner, Mr. Leeson's insinuations are sharply rebutted by Mrs. Morgan, who hints at a great change in Frank's position. Frank himself remains focused on his courtship of Lucy and his work at Wharfside.
Themes in this chapter
Scandal and Gossip
The town is consumed by rumors about Rosa's flight and Frank's prospects, with speculation ranging from a brotherhood to a bishopric.
Social Class and Reputation
Rosa's letter claims she will be 'made a lady,' while Frank's future is debated in terms of social estimation and worldly wealth.
Love and Marriage
Frank's courtship of Lucy continues; their love is now avowed, and he contemplates living on a curate's income with a good wife.
Characters to notice
- Frank Wentworth
Discussed as the subject of favorable rumors; laughs at gossip but remains intent on persuading Lucy to marry him.
- Lucy Wodehouse
Sings the Magnificat at Wharfside service; her voice fills Frank with exultation, their love now avowed.
- Rosa Elsworthy
Has disappeared from her uncle's house, leaving a letter saying she will be made a lady; the town discusses her fate.
- Mr. Leeson
At the Rectory dinner, he makes snide remarks about Frank's prospects, but is sharply silenced by Mrs. Morgan.
- Mrs. Morgan
Defends Frank at dinner, hinting at a great improvement in his position, and dismisses Mr. Leeson.
- Mr. Elsworthy
Discovers Rosa's flight and reads her farewell letter; rushes about in agitation.
Key passages
“But the real sort always triumphs at the last”
The people of Wharfside believe that genuinely good people ultimately prevail.
Reflects the town's faith in poetic justice regarding Frank Wentworth.
“If the Queen had sent for him immediately, and conferred upon him a bishopric, or at least appointed him her private chaplain, such a favour would have excited no surprise in Wharfside”
The Wharfside community thinks so highly of Frank that they would not be surprised if the Queen made him a bishop or her chaplain.
Highlights the exaggerated expectations of Frank's supporters.
“I have reason to know that Mr. Wentworth will remain in Carlingford in quite a different position”
Mrs. Morgan claims inside knowledge that Frank's role in Carlingford will be greatly improved.
Mrs. Morgan's defense of Frank at dinner hints at a forthcoming change in his status.