# XII: “One Born to Love You, Sweet” explained — The Venetians

> Chapter companion for The Venetians by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Vansittart proposes to Eve, and she accepts. He writes to his mother about his engagement, while Eve expresses a desire to visit Italy, which troubles Vansittart due to his painful memories of Venice. The chapter also reveals Mr. Sefton's past efforts to find Eve's missing brother Harold.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Vansittart's proposal and willingness to marry Eve without a dowry, and his desire to include his mother in their lives, demonstrate love and sacrifice.

### Secrecy and Identity

The mystery surrounding Harold's disappearance and Mr. Sefton's hidden efforts to find him touch on themes of secrecy and hidden identities.

### Exile and Escape

Vansittart's troubled memories of Venice and his reluctance to return to Italy reflect themes of exile and escape from past traumas.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Vansittart

Proposes to Eve and is accepted; writes to his mother about the engagement; troubled by Eve's wish to visit Italy.

### Eve Marchant

Accepts Vansittart's proposal; expresses desire to visit Italy; shares her worries about her brother Harold.

### Mr. Sefton

Revealed to have been helping Eve search for her brother Harold; his efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

### Colonel Marchant

Receives Vansittart's offer for Eve with politeness but not enthusiasm; had hoped for a richer marriage.

### Maud Hartley

Mentioned in Vansittart's letter to his mother, as he hopes Eve will be like a second daughter to her.

## Key lines

> He had loved Italy with all his heart; but now the image of Venice burnt and festered in his mind like a plague-spot on the breast of a man in full health.

Vansittart once loved Italy, but now the memory of Venice torments him like a disease.

_Highlights Vansittart's internal conflict regarding Italy._

> His lips met hers, and took his answer there.

They kissed, and that kiss was her answer to his proposal.

_The moment of acceptance is conveyed through a kiss rather than words._

> He was too shrewd a campaigner, however, to refuse the humble sparrow in the hand for the goldfinch in the bush.

Colonel Marchant was too practical to reject a sure offer for a speculative one.

_Colonel Marchant's pragmatic view of the marriage proposal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters/xii-one-born-to-love-you-sweet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_venetians_se/chapters