Victorians! discussion

Our third instalment saw some more developments as the acquaintance between the Hopkinsons and the ladies at Pleasance deepened, another bit of misunderstanding (or rather jealousy) was put to rest, and we started seeing the true colours of the Sampsons as a new character was introduced.

Mrs Hopkinson as we see is truly good natured and genteel, lending a helping hand when the Pleasance ladies needed it, but not using that as an opportunity to take forward the acquaintance. But the friendship between the two sets does go forward for Blanche certainly wants to cultivate their acquaintance inviting Janet home. Then Blanche and the Duchess of St Maur on hearing her sing find that Janet is truly talented and as a result Janet and Rose secure an invitation to the concert the Duchess is to host. And Blanche and the Duchess are involving themselves in local charitable works as well. A contrast to the Baroness and her ostentatious activities.

All this activity with possible hints that Arthur may well be on his way back has improved Blanche’s mood, and as she herself points out to Aunt Sarah, she is certainly not as peevish as she’s perhaps been so far.

Janet to her pleasure learns of Aileen’s engagement to Colonel Hilton which means Mr Greydon the curate is no longer in ‘danger’ of falling for Aileen and Janet in fact finds him taking a little interest in her.

The most prominent developments this week were however with regard to Baron and Baroness Sampson. So far it seemed that they were a wealthy, pompous and flashy couple interested for the most part in climbing the social ladder. While all of that may be true, it seems it is not only their social activity that causes us to raise our eyebrows. For the Baron and Baroness seem to be attempting to benefit from others wealth as well leaving us wondering whether all their wealth came from deceitful dealings. We learn that they seem to have taken some control of the Baroness’ niece Miss Monteneros’ wealth (though haven’t quite succeeded in grabbing it yet), are trying to benefit from speculations with Mr Willis (I was surprised and glad that he was willing to heed his mother-in-law’s advice and restrict his business with the Sampsons), and are planning to take advantage of the newly wealthy Mr Hopkinson when he returns.

Socially also the Baroness finds herself in a spot since her high-handed treatment and condescension towards Lady Blanche (unknowingly) and the Hopkinsons (deliberately), means she has pretty much cut herself off from any chance of being part of their social circle. I loved the moment when she learns that Janet and Rose have been invited to the Duchess’ concert and that too, not a subscription one while she has been trying to palm off tickets to her own fête.
But she is certainly going to try and worm her way in. In fact, she has already started with her invitation to the Hopkinsons. This second invitation was so very different from the first, wasn’t it?

Rache Monteneros, the Baroness’ niece, turned out quite a likeable character, able to see through her pretences, and unwilling to participate in the conning of poor Willis and able to take control (or at least attempt to) of her own affairs. And oddly enough Willis and she seem to have made friends? A chance at a match there, did you think?

Meanwhile Arthur has in fact returned and renewed his acquaintance with Mrs Hopkinson and Captain Hopkinson is on his way back too. What will happen next?

How did you like this week’s instalment?

One of the quotes I liked this week:

"Very fine, my dear, but not a lady, take my word for it; I don't mind her not being ladylike in manner, nor, indeed, in look, which to my thinking she is not, but I hate her pretences."

"Pretensions, ma'am, you mean."

"No, I don't, Charles, I know what pretensions are, we all have them; I mean pretences. Her helplessness, her ignorance, her nerves are all pretence, and before you have any dealings with that family in money matters-speculations I think you call them-I would advise you to know a little more of their history."

Yet again I have been surprised by another twist in the tale, the possibility that Willis is renouncing his morbid existence and falling in love! Time will tell, (and maybe the next few chapters) but I never expected to read about him him enjoying any type of dance with anybody.

Mrs. Hopkinson is fast becoming my favourite character, particularly after she refused to submit to the obnoxious baroness’ demand to sort out her unruly servants. She also served up my favourite quote in this section, when responding to Rachel’s poetic muses.
’What would become of us," she (Rachel) said in a sort of caressing manner to Mrs. Hopkinson, "without that meaning word aesthetic? Does not it express all and everything?" "It may, my dear," said Mrs. Hopkinson, who could not help laughing at Rachel's drawling manner; "but I never heard it before, and do not know what it means now. If you had said asthmatic, I should have understood you at once; and now I must wish you all good morning; my girls will be expecting me."’

Rachel is a welcome addition to the story and an excellent foil to the baron and baroness who are obviously trying to exploit her. Her witty word games might exasperate her relatives but I am enjoying them. Her understanding of the situation was suitably expressed by this excellent description.

’She felt the falseness of the atmosphere in which she lived: all was false, the Baron's courtesy, the Baroness's caresses, the attentions of Cousin Moses. "We are all actors and actresses," she used to say, "and none of us quite up to our parts, though we act all day long."

Another unexpected event was the return of Arthur, and we are only halfway through the novel. All the twists and turns make it difficult to predict what will happen next. Will the Hopkinson girls become famous? It seems there will be a reunion between Arthur and Mr. Hopkinson who is also due to return. Have we heard the last of Willis’ tragic tales or was the dance just an aberration on his part never to be repeated?

I enjoyed this section, especially with the characters I consider the two heroines of the novel. I thought Blanche improved as she displayed more of her attractive characteristics and her pregnancy provides more tolerance for her irritating ones. And, as Trev explains, Mrs. Hopkinson became even more interesting and endearing.
I also agree with Trev that Rachel appears to be a welcome addition who will add to the intrigue and wit. She seems likeable so I certainly wouldn't wish Willis upon her, a result I fear may happen. To me, it would be similar to Charlotte marrying Mr. Collins in Pride & Prejudice, and Rachel seems to have better options than Charlotte. I have my fingers crossed that it doesn't.

Brian wrote: "I enjoyed this section, especially with the characters I consider the two heroines of the novel. I thought Blanche improved as she displayed more of her attractive characteristics and her pregnancy..."

I think Willis is improving in my estimation too--in that he doesn't let his moroseness entirely affect his senses and does not have too inflated an ego to take good advice when it comes his way (from Mrs H).

I think Rachel and he might just end up making a match of it; and it seems it might not be such a bad think. Rachel seems more than capable of taking care of herself unlike Willis' first wife who was unfortunately unable to cope.

Trev wrote: "Yet again I have been surprised by another twist in the tale, the possibility that Willis is renouncing his morbid existence and falling in love! Time will tell, (and maybe the next few chapters) b..."

I love how Mrs Hopkinson's handling of the Baroness' servant situation. I can well see how any other may well have agreed to do it, out of politeness even if not lack of good sense.

Lady Clementina wrote: "I think Rachel and he might just end up making a match of it; and it seems it might not be such a bad think. Rachel seems more than capable of taking care of herself unlike Willis' first wife who was unfortunately unable to cope..."

I think Willis' self-pity and moroseness are character traits indicative of a self-absorbed person and not just situational traits, But the author may be adapting his character a bit to make a suitable match with Rachel. As Lady C points out, Rachel does seem to be a strong character who may be able to be equal to and even control Willis.
If marriage between Rachel and Willis is not a bad thing, its because even life with Willis would be an improvement over life with the Baron and Baroness.

Brian wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "I think Rachel and he might just end up making a match of it; and it seems it might not be such a bad think. Rachel seems more than capable of taking care of herself unlike ..."

Willis would be enthralled by his new wife’s nightly rendition of Dante’s Inferno.

I am quite as much enamored of Mrs. Hopkinson as everyone else, and am quite delighted to find Rachel Monteneros to be on her way to becoming another favorite.

At first I thought the Baroness was only going to provide a level of comedy in the way she doles our offense and then belated manipulation. But she and the Baron seem to be demonstrating some Dickensian qualities. I can’t wait to see what Eden does with everyone.

Renee wrote: "I am quite as much enamored of Mrs. Hopkinson as everyone else, and am quite delighted to find Rachel Monteneros to be on her way to becoming another favorite.

At first I thought the Baroness was..."

Rachel and Mrs Hopkinson were favourites with me too; I like they both speak their minds, and seem to have their heads well on their shoulders.