The Way We Live Now · Chapter
Carbury Manor explained
Lady Carbury announces to her daughter Henrietta that she has accepted an invitation to stay at Carbury Manor for Whitsun week, much to Henrietta's discomfort due to Roger Carbury's romantic interest in her.
What happens
Lady Carbury announces to her daughter Henrietta that she has accepted an invitation to stay at Carbury Manor for Whitsun week, much to Henrietta's discomfort due to Roger Carbury's romantic interest in her. Roger receives Lady Carbury's letter and is disturbed by her pride in Sir Felix's directorship of the Great American Railway, which he views as fraudulent. He reflects on his love for Henrietta, his disdain for the Carbury title, and his moral objections to the worldly values represented by Lady Carbury and the railway scheme. Despite his reservations, he prepares for their visit, placing a white rose in Henrietta's room and resolving to pursue her again.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Ruin
Roger views the Great American Railway as a fraudulent scheme, contrasting honest labor with speculative ventures that threaten financial and moral ruin.
Family Obligation and Selfishness
Roger feels bound to leave his estate to Sir Felix despite despising him, highlighting the tension between duty to family lineage and personal judgment.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Lady Carbury's pride in Felix's directorship and her worldly belief in shams contrast with Roger's insistence on truth and integrity.
Characters to notice
- Lady Carbury
Arranges the visit to Carbury Manor, proud of Felix's directorship, and is worldly in her values.
- Hetta Carbury
Reluctantly agrees to go to Carbury Manor, uncomfortable with Roger's feelings for her.
- Roger Carbury
Hosts the visit, troubled by Lady Carbury's letter and Felix's directorship; reflects on his love for Hetta and his moral principles.
- Sir Felix Carbury
Mentioned as a director of the Great American Railway, which Roger despises.
- Paul Montague
Invited to Carbury Manor; Roger fears he is becoming a city adventurer.
- Augustus Melmotte
Referenced as the chairman of the railway board, viewed by Roger as a gigantic swindler.
Key passages
“I don't think it quite nice, mamma; that's all. Of course if you have made up your mind to go, I must go with you.”
Hetta expresses discomfort about visiting Roger, but acknowledges she has no choice.
Highlights Hetta's reluctance and lack of agency in family decisions.
“New sphere of life! he said to himself. The only proper sphere for them all would be Newgate!”
Roger sarcastically dismisses Felix's directorship, suggesting the directors belong in prison.
Reflects Roger's contempt for the railway scheme and its participants.
“In his heart of hearts he believed that she loved Paul Montague; and of Paul himself he was beginning to fear evil.”
Roger suspects Hetta loves Paul and worries that Paul is becoming dishonest.
Shows Roger's internal conflict between love and moral judgment.