The Masqueraders · Chapter
XII: Passage of Arms Between Prudence and Sir Anthony explained
Prudence and Robin discuss their precarious situation with Lady Lowestoft, debating whether the old gentleman's claim to be Lord Barham is a lie or a deep-laid scheme.
What happens
Prudence and Robin discuss their precarious situation with Lady Lowestoft, debating whether the old gentleman's claim to be Lord Barham is a lie or a deep-laid scheme. Robin resolves to play the game for the chance of a fair conclusion, hoping to secure a respectable future for Prudence. Later, Prudence rides out with Sir Anthony Fanshawe, who probes her background with subtle suspicion, hinting at her possible involvement in the Rebellion. Despite his suspicions, Sir Anthony offers his friendship and invites her to call him Tony, leaving Prudence flustered and grateful.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Prudence arrives at Fanshawe’s house expecting a social gathering where her duel with Rensley will be noticed,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Ingenuity
Robin and Prudence debate the old gentleman's claim to be Lord Barham, recognizing it as a possible lie or a deep-laid scheme; Prudence must also maintain her disguise as a boy while Sir Anthony probes her.
- Identity and Masquerade
Prudence's disguise as a youth is central to the chapter, as Sir Anthony questions her background and she must carefully maintain her false identity.
- Social Class and Ambition
Robin sees the old gentleman's scheme as a forlorn hope to gain respectability, allowing Prudence to become a fitting bride for a man of high status like Sir Anthony.
Characters to notice
- Prudence Tremaine
Engages in a tense conversation with Robin and Lady Lowestoft about the old gentleman's claim; later rides with Sir Anthony, skillfully deflecting his probing questions while feeling a warm affection for him.
- Robin Tremaine
Frustrated by the old gentleman's evasiveness, he resolves to play along with the scheme for the chance of a respectable future, and expresses a desire to obtain a crucial document.
- Lady Lowestoft
Observes the young people's discussion with amusement, prophesies that Robin will become the heir of Barham, and departs to send out cards for her next party.
- Sir Anthony Fanshawe
Calls to fetch Prudence for a ride; questions her about her past and the Merriots' sudden appearance, hinting at suspicion of rebel involvement, yet offers his friendship and invites her to call him Tony.
Key passages
“If we fall, why then, we must. I see no way of preventing it. Alack, I haven’t the trick of coaxing the old gentleman into sense.”
Prudence accepts their precarious situation with calm resignation, admitting she cannot persuade the old gentleman to be reasonable.
Reflects Prudence's pragmatic and unflappable nature in the face of uncertainty.
“I see a multitude of things, ma’am, and one more clearly than all the rest. He admitted himself there was somewhere a document bearing his name. If I but knew who holds it!”
Robin expresses his primary concern: a document that could prove or disprove the old gentleman's claim, which he desperately wants to obtain.
Highlights Robin's strategic thinking and the importance of the mysterious document to their plans.
“And if you were, must I necessarily deny you my friendship?”
Sir Anthony implies that even if Prudence were a rebel, he would still offer his friendship.
Shows Sir Anthony's growing personal attachment to Prudence, overriding political loyalties.
