A Handful of Dust Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter Two, English Gothic: Part Three Summary

Chapter Two, English Gothic: Part Three Summary

Brenda is staying at Marjorie's while in London. The two are getting dressed for separate dinners followed by Polly's party where they plan to meet up. All of the women who don't have escorts for the evening are looking for Beaver, but he has already committed to an evening with Brenda. As they make their way to dinner, Beaver tries to kiss Brenda, but she turns down his advances. It is clear that she wants his advances but she wants to keep the upper hand in the situation. She allows him the lead from time to time, and in the end when they do kiss, he has been conned into thinking he is in command.

At Polly Cockpurse's party, Brenda merges back into her social circle with ease. Beaver is annoyed when Brenda leaves him alone because no one actually likes him. At the same time he wants to...
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