The Story of Ivy · Chapter
VII explained
On the evening of November 16th, Ivy Lexton spends the day attending to her ill husband Jervis before going out to a bridge party and later a theatre party.
What happens
On the evening of November 16th, Ivy Lexton spends the day attending to her ill husband Jervis before going out to a bridge party and later a theatre party. While she is out, Jervis's condition worsens, and Nurse Bradfield urgently calls for a doctor. Ivy, who had earlier given Jervis a stiff brandy and soda laced with a dangerous dose, delays calling Dr. Berwick and instead contacts a substitute. Jervis dies that night, and Ivy returns home to learn the news, feeling a mix of relief and guilt.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
Ivy deceives Nurse Bradfield and herself about her role in Jervis's death, rationalizing her actions and feeling relief rather than guilt.
Marriage and Infidelity
Ivy's marriage to Jervis is overshadowed by her affair with Roger Gretorex and her flirtation with Miles Rushworth, highlighting the theme of infidelity.
Crime and Justice
Ivy's deliberate administration of a dangerous dose to Jervis and her subsequent cover-up point to a crime that goes unpunished in this chapter.
Characters to notice
- Ivy Lexton
Ivy is the central figure, torn between her selfish desires and her husband's illness. She deliberately gives Jervis a dangerous dose, delays seeking help, and feels relief at his death.
- Jervis Lexton
Jervis is the dying husband, described as patient and good-humored despite his pain. He dies during the chapter after a sudden turn for the worse.
- Nurse Bradfield
Nurse Bradfield is kind and devoted to Jervis, but she is also charmed by Ivy. She is the one who discovers Jervis's decline and informs Ivy of his death.
- Roger Gretorex
Roger is mentioned as Ivy's lover, whose love letter was mistakenly sent to Dr. Berwick. Ivy wishes he were in London for support.
- Dr. Berwick
Dr. Berwick is the hard-faced, cold-mannered doctor who is away for the night, allowing Ivy to avoid his scrutiny.
- Miles Rushworth
Miles is the good-looking bachelor who escorts Ivy to the theatre and supper, and she thinks of him with joy and comfort after Jervis's death.
Key passages
“She made a point of doing this at some time of her day, though it was always overfull.”
Ivy made sure to spend a little time with Jervis each day, even though her schedule was packed.
This shows Ivy's performative care for her husband.
“Had it come at last—her order of release?”
Ivy wondered if Jervis's worsening condition was finally the end she had been waiting for.
Reveals Ivy's secret desire for Jervis's death.
“He was such a real gentleman, giving as little trouble as he could, and even when in sharp pain invariably patient and good-humoured.”
Jervis was a true gentleman, never complaining and always kind despite his suffering.
Highlights Jervis's gentle nature in contrast to Ivy's selfishness.
“Ivy had abstained from saying to which theatre she was going, and after an amusing evening spent in laughing at a really funny farce, the four went on to supper at the Carlton.”
Ivy kept her plans vague and enjoyed a carefree evening of theatre and supper.
Shows Ivy's deliberate avoidance of responsibility.
“She reminded herself how very kind, how good a pal, she had always been to poor Jervis, and how happy he had been these two months, owing to Miles Rushworth.”
Ivy convinced herself that she had been a good friend to Jervis and that his happiness came from Miles Rushworth.
Ivy's self-deception about her role in Jervis's life and death.
