The Black Moth · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer.

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Chapter 1
Prologue
The Duke of Andover writes a letter to Frank Fortescue, detailing a recent affair with a lady and her brother, and warning Fortescue against further confrontation. Fortescue, upon reading the letter, burns it and expresses a wish that the Duke might fall in love and be saved from himself.
Chapter 2
I: At the Chequers Inn, Fallowfield
Mr. Warburton, a lawyer, arrives at the Chequers Inn to meet Sir Anthony Ferndale, who is actually Lord John Carstares in disguise. Six years after being disgraced for cheating at cards, Jack Carstares now lives as a highwayman but robs only for amusement. Warburton tries to persuade him to return to Wyncham, but Jack refuses, and the lawyer leaves without success.
Chapter 3
II: My Lord at the White Hart
Jack Carstares, posing as Sir Anthony Ferndale, recounts his latest highway robbery to his servant Jim Salter. He had waylaid a coach carrying the merchant Mr. Fudby and his clerk Mr. Chilter, stealing a cashbox of two hundred guineas. Later, the mayor and Mr. Fudby arrive at the White Hart seeking the highwayman. Jack cleverly deflects suspicion by claiming he bought the stolen mare from a ruffian, and Mr. Chilter deliberately misdescribes the robber as a tall, fat man with a scar. After the officials leave, Jack privately thanks Mr. Chilter for his help and gives him an emerald ring as a token of gratitude.
Chapter 4
III: Introducing the Hon. Richard Carstares
Richard Carstares confesses to Warburton his guilt in a card-cheating scandal that led to his brother Jack being disgraced and exiled. He describes how, driven by debt and love for Lavinia, he marked the cards and then allowed Jack to take the blame, influenced by the sinister presence of Tracy Belmanoir. The chapter also paints a vivid picture of Wyncham, the ancestral home now without an earl, and the local folk's fond memories of Jack versus their coolness toward Richard.
Chapter 5
IV: Introducing the Lady Lavinia Carstares
Richard Carstares, after learning that Jack refuses the earldom, is visited by his wife Lavinia. Their conversation reveals deep marital tension: Lavinia is petulant, pleasure-loving, and fearful of disgrace, while Richard is burdened by guilt over a past cheating scandal and his inability to provide the gaiety she craves. Lavinia's brother Andrew arrives, bringing a letter from Tracy Belmanoir, and Lavinia eagerly anticipates his visit. The chapter ends with Lavinia pleading to go to London, but Richard demurs, leaving their conflict unresolved.

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Prologue

I: At the Chequers Inn, Fallowfield

II: My Lord at the White Hart

III: Introducing the Hon. Richard Carstares

IV: Introducing the Lady Lavinia Carstares