The Story of Ivy · Chapter
XXII explained
Miles Rushworth returns from abroad, his heart torn between memories of his dead sister and his consuming passion for Ivy Lexton.
What happens
Miles Rushworth returns from abroad, his heart torn between memories of his dead sister and his consuming passion for Ivy Lexton. He overhears a conversation about a reprieve for Roger Gretorex, then learns from his solicitor Oram that Ivy is to be arrested for poisoning her husband. Rushworth's love turns to bitter hatred, yet he devises a daring plan to help her escape by aeroplane to Spain, providing gold and notes. He confronts Ivy, reveals her impending arrest, and offers her a way out, though his own feelings have soured.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Rushworth's intense, consuming love for Ivy drives his actions, even as it turns to hatred upon learning of her guilt.
Crime and Justice
The chapter revolves around the legal consequences of Jervis's murder, the reprieve of Gretorex, and Ivy's impending arrest.
Deception and Self-Deception
Rushworth deceives himself about Ivy's innocence, and Ivy's own deception is hinted at as she faces the charges.
Characters to notice
- Miles Rushworth
Returns from Calais, torn between love for Ivy and grief for his sister; learns of Ivy's impending arrest and arranges her escape.
- Ivy Lexton
The woman Rushworth loves; she is shocked to learn she will be arrested for Jervis's murder and is offered an escape plan.
- Roger Gretorex
Mentioned as having been reprieved from hanging; his letters to Ivy are discussed, and he is believed to still love her.
- Mr. Oram
Rushworth's solicitor who reveals the evidence against Ivy and warns that Rushworth may be called as a witness.
- Jervis Lexton
Deceased husband of Ivy; his death by poison is the subject of the impending arrest.
- Jack Quirk
The airman Rushworth contacts to fly Ivy to Spain; he agrees to help out of gratitude.
Key passages
“Every fibre of Rushworth’s being longed consciously, hungrily, thirstily, for Ivy.”
Rushworth felt an intense, physical craving for Ivy.
Highlights his obsessive love.
“Ivy’s absolute silence concerning Gretorex struck him as being strange.”
Rushworth found it odd that Ivy never mentioned Gretorex in her letters.
Foreshadows Ivy's possible guilt.
“His passion for Ivy Lexton had turned to bitter hatred.”
Rushworth's love for Ivy transformed into deep resentment.
Shows his emotional shift upon learning the truth.
“You are to be arrested tomorrow morning on the charge of having caused the death of your husband by poison.”
Ivy will be taken into custody tomorrow for poisoning Jervis.
Central plot revelation.
“I’ve arranged with a friend of mine who has got an aeroplane ... to take you by air now, at once, today, to Spain.”
Rushworth has organized an immediate escape for Ivy via airplane to Spain.
Climactic escape plan.