The Story of Ivy · Chapter
II explained
At the Savoy, Ivy Lexton persuades her husband Jervis to invite the wealthy Miles Rushworth to join their table, where he proposes a yachting tour.
What happens
At the Savoy, Ivy Lexton persuades her husband Jervis to invite the wealthy Miles Rushworth to join their table, where he proposes a yachting tour. Ivy's jealous lover, Roger Gretorex, broods silently. After the party, Rushworth drives the Lextons home to their shabby Pimlico lodgings, and Ivy lies awake, anxious and hopeful about her future.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Financial Ruin
The Lextons are 'stony-broke,' living in a shabby Pimlico house, while Rushworth's millionaire status offers a potential escape.
Beauty and Manipulation
Ivy uses her looks and charm to attract Rushworth and manage her husband, aware of her power over men.
Marriage and Infidelity
Ivy's flirtation with Rushworth and her secret relationship with Gretorex strain her marriage to Jervis.
Characters to notice
- Ivy Lexton
The beautiful and manipulative wife, eager to escape poverty and drawn to Rushworth's wealth.
- Jervis Lexton
Ivy's unsuspecting husband, financially desperate but reluctant to leave London.
- Roger Gretorex
The gloomy, jealous host who is secretly in love with Ivy.
- Miles Rushworth
A wealthy, authoritative man who takes an interest in Ivy and proposes a yachting trip.
- Lady Dale
A well-bred older woman dining with Rushworth, wearing an emerald necklace.
- Bella Dale
Lady Dale's daughter, about 27, wearing a string of real pearls.
Key passages
“Ivy Lexton was smiling at her husband—a delicious, roguish smile.”
Ivy gave her husband a playful, charming smile.
Ivy's seductive demeanor is established early.
“He must get this sweet, dainty little woman out of this horrible place at once—at once.”
Rushworth felt compelled to rescue Ivy from her squalid surroundings immediately.
Rushworth's pity and attraction motivate his actions.
“A feeling of revolt, almost of despair, at the conditions of her present day-to-day life.”
Ivy felt a desperate rebellion against her current impoverished circumstances.
Ivy's discontent drives her pursuit of a better life.