The Small House at Allington · Chapter
Valentine's Day at Allington explained
As Crosbie's wedding day approaches, Lily Dale insists on knowing the exact date despite her mother's and Bell's reluctance.
What happens
As Crosbie's wedding day approaches, Lily Dale insists on knowing the exact date despite her mother's and Bell's reluctance. On Valentine's Day, Lily struggles with her emotions, breaking down but ultimately reaffirming her resolve to move forward. The chapter also touches on the family's impending move to Guestwick and the squire's disapproval of Crosbie.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on Crosbie's wedding day, Lily's broken engagement, and the emotional aftermath of a failed love affair.
Betrayal and Trust
Lily's trust in Crosbie is shattered, and the family grapples with feelings of betrayal while Lily tries to forgive him.
Family and Obligation
The Dale family supports Lily through her grief, while the squire's disapproval and the planned move highlight family tensions.
Pride and Prejudice
Lily's pride is wounded by Crosbie's rejection, and she struggles to maintain her dignity while dealing with her emotions.
Characters to notice
- Lilian Dale
Lily demands to know Crosbie's wedding day, struggles with her emotions on Valentine's Day, and tries to maintain a brave front while discussing the event.
- Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Dale is conflicted, trying to support Lily while struggling to restrain her own anger toward Crosbie.
- Isabella Dale
Bell visits the squire regularly and struggles to hide her anger at Crosbie, though she tries to comfort Lily.
- Christopher Dale
The squire discusses Crosbie's wedding with Bell, expressing his belief that Crosbie will be miserable, and is sad about the family's planned move.
- Adolphus Crosbie
Crosbie is mentioned as marrying Alexandrina on Valentine's Day, with the squire predicting his unhappiness.
- Alexandrina De Courcy
Alexandrina is the bride in the wedding that takes place on Valentine's Day.
- Dr. Crofts
Dr. Crofts is in treaty for a furnished house at Guestwick for the Dales, and is mentioned as being nearer to them after the move.
- Hopkins
Hopkins is the gardener who speaks to the squire about the family's move, but is sharply told to hold his tongue.
Key passages
“Lily had exacted a promise from her mother before her illness, and during the period of her convalescence often referred to it, reminding her mother that that promise had been made, and must be kept. Lily was to be told the day on which Crosbie was to be married.”
Before falling ill, Lily made her mother promise to tell her the exact date of Crosbie's wedding, and she frequently reminded her of this during recovery.
Lily's insistence on knowing the wedding date shows her determination to face reality.
“On the fourteenth of February, Crosbie was to be made a happy man.”
Crosbie's wedding to Alexandrina was set for February 14th.
The date is Valentine's Day, adding irony to the situation.
“I wonder whether it was so settled on purpose, because of the day. Oh, dear, I used to think so often of the letter that I should get from him on this day, when he would tell me that I was his valentine. Well; he's got another—valen—tine—now.”
Lily wonders if the wedding was intentionally set on Valentine's Day, recalling her past hopes for a romantic letter from Crosbie, and acknowledges that he now has a different valentine.
Lily's emotional breakdown reveals her lingering pain and sense of loss.
“I don't want him to be wretched. But I can hardly think that he can act as he has done without being punished.”
Bell says she does not wish Crosbie misery, but believes his actions deserve consequences.
Bell struggles with Christian forgiveness versus her sense of justice.
