# Carbury Manor explained — The Way We Live Now

> Chapter companion for The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xiv-carbury-manor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters