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

Chapter Four, English Gothic II: Part Three Summary

Reggie, Brenda's older brother, hears of Brenda's affair and returns home to organize a family meeting. After speaking with Brenda, his mother, Marjorie, Allan, and the lawyer in the meeting he meets with Beaver, Jock, and even one of Tony's aunts before setting up time to see Tony. After pointing out that he doesn't like Beaver, Reggie tries to convince Tony to refuse Brenda's divorce. Tony is surprised to hear that Brenda is spreading the rumor that he had become an alcoholic and had an affair with Jenny Abdul Akbar. He relays that Brenda is now asking for two thousand dollars a year, throwing out their agreement for five hundred. The payment amount would mean that Tony would have to give up his estate at Hetton. Reggie tops off the demands by informing Tony that Beaver doesn't even want to be with Brenda unless she is provided for. The...
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