Orley Farm · Character

Mr. Furnival

A celebrated London barrister and Lady Mason's devoted counsel, whose late-life taste for port and pretty women is unsettling his Cavendish Square household.

major

Also known as the great Mr. Furnival, XII Mr. Furnival, Furnival, old Mr. Furnival, old Furnival, Mr. ¬†Furnival, Mr. Furnival⁠

First appearance: X: Mr., Mrs., and Miss Furnival

As a major figure in Orley Farm, Mr. Furnival is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Considered by Lady Mason as a potential legal advisor, but Sir Peregrine advises against consulting him yet.

In the storySir Peregrine Makes a Second PromiseOpen this moment free

Mr. Furnival is the great lawyer Lady Mason relies on to save Orley Farm, and his professional loyalty to her is beyond question. But at fifty-five the abstemious young barrister has become a Lothario with a purple nose, and Mrs. Furnival, remembering their dingy Keppel Street parlor, attributes it all to port wine. His divided attentions, domestic and otherwise, shadow the trial and complicate the defense of his most vulnerable client.

See Mr. Furnival in Sir Peregrine Makes a Second Promise Book page

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Character Web

47 connections

A slice of how Mr. Furnival sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Legal professionals and family
Extended cast and servants
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

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Relationships

Lady Mason
professional · ambivalent
Lady Mason
professional · ambivalent
Lady Mason
professional · ambivalent

Lady Mason
Mr. Furnival is Lady Mason's defense attorney, deeply invested in her case and personally conflicted by his professional duty and growing admiration.
Lady Mason
Mr. Furnival is Lady Mason's defense attorney, deeply invested in her case and personally conflicted by his professional duty and growing admiration.
Lady Mason
Mr. Furnival is Lady Mason's defense attorney, deeply invested in her case and personally conflicted by his professional duty and growing admiration.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Furnival in X: Mr., Mrs., and Miss Furnival

In the story

Mr. Furnival appears across 28 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Sir Peregrine Makes a Second Promise
Considered by Lady Mason as a potential legal advisor, but Sir Peregrine advises against consulting him yet.
X: Mr., Mrs., and Miss Furnival
A hardworking barrister who achieved success later in life; now fifty-five, showing signs of age and strain; his wife suspects him of wandering affections toward Lady Mason.
XI: Mrs. Furnival at Home
Returns home late from Birmingham and Romford, is curt with his wife and guest, and retreats to his own room.
Mr. Furnival’s Chambers
Leaves the legal congress in Birmingham to meet Lady Mason, showing tenderness and concern, but internally doubts whether she has been fully honest about the case.
Guilty, or Not Guilty
Caught in an awkward situation when his wife intrudes upon his meeting with Lady Mason; later contemplates the possibility of forgery and sends Crabwitz to find Mr. Round's address.
XVII: Von Bauhr
Travels to Birmingham for the congress, seeks Mr. Round, and discusses the proceedings with colleagues.
The English von Bauhr
Mentioned as a defender of the English legal system at the congress, rousing himself to divine wrath.
The Staveley Family
Participates in the discussion about Lady Mason, emphasizing the misery a trial would cause her.
Mr. Dockwrath in His Own Office
Advises Lucius to remain silent and not interfere, emphasizing Lady Mason's need for discretion.
Mr. Furnival Again at His Chambers
Consults with Crabwitz about Dockwrath's machinations; meets with Matthew Round to discuss the threat of a forgery indictment against Lady Mason.
XXVI: Why Should I Not?
Visits Sir Peregrine to explain the criminal charge against Lady Mason; struggles with how much truth to reveal.
Mr. Furnival Looks for Assistance
Consults with Crabwitz and then visits Mr. Chaffanbrass to secure legal assistance for Lady Mason's defense.
Love Was Still the Lord of All
Mentioned as a key ally whose reaction Lady Mason fears regarding the potential marriage.
Oh, Indeed!
Visits The Cleeve, informs Sir Peregrine that Joseph Mason's solicitors are moving to bring an action for forgery or perjury against Lady Mason.
XL: I Call It Awful
Struggles with jealousy and moral conflict over Lady Mason's engagement to Sir Peregrine; considers withdrawing from her legal defense.
How Can I Save Him?
Receives Lady Mason's letter, faces marital strife with Mrs. Furnival, and meets with Lady Mason in his chambers.
XLIX: Mrs. Furnival Can't Put Up with It
Mrs. Furnival's husband; writes a letter to his wife denying any impropriety with Lady Mason and sends her a check for fifty pounds.
Lady Mason Returns Home
Arranges Lady Mason's appearance before magistrates and communicates with Lucius about her return.
How Sir Peregrine Did Business with Mr. Round
Mentioned as Lady Mason's lawyer; Sir Peregrine considers informing him but fears it would cost her her defense.
LXI: The State of Public Opinion
One of the lawyers defending Lady Mason; attorneys have great faith in his ability to secure an acquittal.
What the Four Lawyers Thought About It
Hosts the meeting of the four lawyers; gives a hesitant assurance of Lady Mason's innocence when pressed by Felix Graham.
The First Journey to Alston
Leading counsel for the defense, observing Lady Mason's entrance into court.
LXV: Felix Graham Returns to Noningsby
Mentioned as Felix's new client associate in the upcoming trial.
Showing How Miss Furnival Treated Her Lovers
Sophia's father, involved in Lady Mason's legal affairs; Sophia avoids telling him about Lucius due to the trial.
LXXI: Showing How John Kenneby and Bridget Bolster Bore Themselves in Court
Leading counsel for Lady Mason, skillfully cross-examines John Kenneby to undermine his memory and testimony.
Mr. Furnival's Speech
Delivers the closing speech for the defense, passionately arguing Lady Mason's innocence despite knowing her guilt.
LXXIII: Mrs. Orme Tells the Story
Delivers a powerful speech in court that Lucius believes proves Lady Mason's innocence, but Mrs. Orme knows it is based on false assurances.
The Last of the Lawyers
Enjoys domestic peace with his wife after the trial; refuses to have Joseph Mason as a client.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Furnival unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Furnival in X: Mr., Mrs., and Miss Furnival

See Mr. Furnival in Sir Peregrine Makes a Second Promise