The Story of Ivy · Chapter
VI explained
On November 8th, Ivy Lexton's life begins to change as her husband Jervis remains ill.
What happens
On November 8th, Ivy Lexton's life begins to change as her husband Jervis remains ill. She visits Rushworth's office to excuse Jervis's absence, and struggles to keep her lover Roger Gretorex away from the flat. Gretorex visits Jervis anyway, leading to a tense encounter with Dr. Berwick, who has taken over the case. Later, Berwick discovers a love letter from Gretorex to Ivy, which he and his wife Janey discuss, debating the nature of their relationship.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
Ivy deceives Gretorex about Jervis's illness and her feelings for Rushworth; she also deceives herself about her motives. Gretorex's letter reveals his self-deception about Ivy's purity.
Marriage and Infidelity
Ivy is married to Jervis but has a passionate affair with Gretorex, and is now fixated on Rushworth. The letter exposes the emotional infidelity.
Love and Obsession
Gretorex's letter shows obsessive love for Ivy; Ivy is obsessed with Rushworth and her own future.
Characters to notice
- Ivy Lexton
Anxious and excited about her husband's illness; visits Rushworth's office; resolves to stop meeting Gretorex at Ferry Place; sends a note to Dr. Berwick claiming Jervis is better.
- Jervis Lexton
Ill for over a week, fighting for life; welcomes Gretorex's visit; weak but cheerful; calls Ivy 'darling' and is called 'dear old boy'.
- Roger Gretorex
Ivy's lover; supplies her with cash; visits Jervis despite Ivy's attempts to keep him away; writes a passionate love letter to Ivy that is accidentally sent to Dr. Berwick.
- Dr. Berwick
Takes over Dr. Lancaster's patients; angry at Gretorex's interference; finds Gretorex's letter to Ivy and discusses it with his wife.
- Nurse Bradfield
Placid, kindly nurse sent by Dr. Lancaster; lets Gretorex see Jervis; finds life dull.
- Jenny Berwick
Dr. Berwick's wife; reads Gretorex's letter and believes it shows genuine love; defends Ivy's character.
Key passages
“It was the eighth of November, a day which, though she never realised it, altered the whole of Ivy Lexton's life.”
November 8th marked a turning point in Ivy Lexton's life, though she was unaware of it at the time.
Opening line foreshadowing the significance of the day.
“What man, so Rushworth's London agent asked himself smiling, could resist that deliciously pretty and sweet-mannered little woman?”
Rushworth's agent thought no man could resist Ivy's charm and beauty.
Reflects Ivy's manipulative appeal.
“This is written with a man's heart's blood”
This letter is deeply heartfelt and sincere.
Janey Berwick's assessment of Gretorex's letter.