# In Which Lord Steyne Shows Himself in a Most Amiable Light explained — Vanity Fair > Chapter companion for Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. ## What happens Lord Steyne discovers Becky's deception regarding the money intended for Miss Briggs, yet his admiration for her cleverness only grows. Becky manipulates the situation by blaming Rawdon, and Steyne, amused, continues his patronage. Meanwhile, Sir Pitt confronts Becky about her improper conduct with Lord Steyne and the young Frenchmen, demanding she be more prudent. Rawdon becomes increasingly watchful and domestic, accompanying Becky everywhere, but tensions simmer beneath the surface as the family's honor is questioned. ## Themes in this chapter ### Appearance vs. Reality Becky presents a facade of marital devotion and innocence while secretly manipulating those around her; Lord Steyne sees through her lies yet admires her skill. ### Vanity and Hypocrisy Lord Steyne's admiration for Becky's cleverness despite her deceit underscores the vanity of the upper classes; Sir Pitt's concern for family honor contrasts with his own past indulgence. ### Marriage as Transaction Rawdon and Becky's marriage is portrayed as a strategic partnership where affection is feigned for mutual benefit, and Becky uses her husband as a shield for her schemes. ## Character check-ins ### Becky Sharp Manipulates Lord Steyne with falsehoods about Rawdon's coercion; orchestrates Briggs's dismissal; maintains a facade of affection toward Rawdon while pursuing her own schemes. ### Rawdon Crawley Becomes suspicious of Becky's dealings but is reassured by her feigned warmth; grows watchful and domestic, accompanying her everywhere; is eventually imprisoned. ### Lord Steyne Admires Becky's cunning after uncovering her lies about the money; continues his visits despite family objections; provides a position for Briggs at Gauntly Hall. ### Miss Briggs Gratefully accepts the housekeeper position at Gauntly Hall; reveals to Lord Steyne the true state of her finances, unwittingly exposing Becky's deception. ### Sir Pitt Crawley Confronts Becky about her conduct with Lord Steyne and the Frenchmen; quarrels with her over family honor; ceases his visits but attends the charade-night under obligation. ### Lady Jane Crawley Supports Sir Pitt's concerns about Becky; is glad to leave the charade-night early. ## Key lines > a falsehood—a wicked falsehood—she owned it. But who had made her tell it? "Ah, my Lord," she said, "you don't know all I have to suffer and bear in silence; you see me gay and happy before you—you little know what I have to endure when there is no protector near me. It was my husband, by threats and the most savage treatment, forced me to ask for that sum about which I deceived you." Becky admits to lying but blames Rawdon, claiming he forced her to deceive Lord Steyne about the money. _Becky's manipulation shifts blame to Rawdon, playing the victim to maintain Steyne's favor._ > What an accomplished little devil it is!... She beats all the women I have ever seen in the course of all my well-spent life. They are babies compared to her. I am a greenhorn myself, and a fool in her hands—an old fool. She is unsurpassable in lies. Lord Steyne marvels at Becky's skill in deception, considering her unmatched among women. _Steyne's admiration for Becky's cunning reveals his own moral ambiguity and fascination with her._ > He spoke of the honour of the family, the unsullied reputation of the Crawleys; expressed himself in indignant tones about her receiving those young Frenchmen—those wild young men of fashion, my Lord Steyne himself, whose carriage was always at her door, who passed hours daily in her company, and whose constant presence made the world talk about her. Sir Pitt rebukes Becky for her association with Lord Steyne and young Frenchmen, warning that her behavior damages the family's honor. _Sir Pitt's confrontation underscores the tension between personal ambition and family reputation._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lii-in-which-lord-steyne-shows-himself-in-a-most-amiable-light - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters