# Frank Wentworth — The Perpetual Curate character guide > Frank Wentworth in The Perpetual Curate by Margaret Oliphant. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Wentworth, Francis Wentworth, young Wentworth, Frank **First appearance:** 0001-the-perpetual-curate ## Snapshot The perpetual curate of St. Roque, a young clergyman whose stubborn devotion to his Wharfside district pits him against family, parish, and the woman he loves. ## Who they are Frank Wentworth is a young clergyman whose missionary work in Wharfside — technically another man's parish — makes him enemies among Carlingford's Evangelicals and his own formidable aunts. He loves Lucy Wodehouse, but a perpetual curacy pays too little to marry on, and he refuses to abandon his district even to win her. His clashes with the clerk Elsworthy and his brother Jack reveal a man whose integrity is both his strength and his social liability. ## Relationships ### [Lucy Wodehouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/lucy_wodehouse) _romantic_ Frank is deeply in love with Lucy and pursues her despite social obstacles and family opposition. ### [Rosa Elsworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/rosa_elsworthy) _psychological_ Rosa is infatuated with Frank and attempts to manipulate him into a relationship, causing tension and scandal. ### [Mrs. Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mrs_morgan) _professional_ Mrs. Morgan is Frank's landlady and housekeeper, with a friendly but sometimes meddling dynamic. ### [Jack Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/jack_wentworth) _family_ Jack is Frank's older brother, a clergyman with whom Frank has a strained but affectionate sibling relationship. ### [Gerald Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/gerald_wentworth) _family_ Gerald is Frank's younger brother, a naval officer who shares a close and supportive bond with Frank. ### [Mr. Wodehouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mr_wodehouse) _social_ Mr. Wodehouse is Lucy's father, initially suspicious of Frank but gradually becoming more cordial. ### [Mr. Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mr_morgan) _friendship_ Mr. Morgan is Frank's friend and fellow curate, sharing professional and personal camaraderie. ### [Louisa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/louisa) _family_ Louisa is Frank's sister, with whom he has a warm and caring sibling relationship. ### [Mr. Proctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mr_proctor) _professional_ Frank and Mr. Proctor are fellow clergymen who interact respectfully in church matters. ### [Sarah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/sarah) _professional_ Sarah is a servant in the Morgan household, with whom Frank has polite and distant interactions. ### [Lucy Wodehouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/lucy_wodehouse) _romantic_ Frank is deeply in love with Lucy and pursues her despite social obstacles and family opposition. ### [Rosa Elsworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/rosa_elsworthy) _psychological_ Rosa is infatuated with Frank and attempts to manipulate him into a relationship, causing tension and scandal. ## In the story ### [The Perpetual Curate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/the-perpetual-curate) The perpetual curate of St. Roque's, central to the chapter's events. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/i) The Perpetual Curate of St. Roque's, a young Anglican who conducts services at Wharfside and openly criticizes the architecture of Carlingford Church, causing friction with the new Rector. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/ii) The Perpetual Curate of St. Roque's, brooding over his lost influence and his uncertain prospects for the Skelmersdale living, which depends on his aunts. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/iii) Struggles with his feelings for Lucy and the pressure from his aunts' unexpected visit. ### [Mr. Wentworth's Easter Sermon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/iv) Preaches a sermon on Easter Sunday, feels a sudden illumination about the emptiness of his High-Church formalism, and later conducts a more heartfelt service at Wharfside. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/v) Discussed at length as the subject of the conflict; his aunts are concerned about his ritualistic practices and his mission in the Rector's parish. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vi) Visits Elsworthy's shop, learns of Mr. Wodehouse's illness, and feels renewed hope about seeing Lucy. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vii) Visits his aunts, learns Skelmersdale is unlikely, but is exhilarated by the thought of seeing Lucy. Later goes to the Wodehouse house and is drawn into a family secret. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/viii) The Perpetual Curate, who remains tight-lipped about the mysterious lodger and is seen with Lucy at St. Roque's. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/ix) Mentioned as the subject of his aunts' discussion; his High-Church practices are criticized by Leonora. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/x) Feels desolate and scrutinized by Carlingford; defends his work at Wharfside against the Rector; receives a frantic letter from Louisa and departs immediately for Wentworth Rectory. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xi) Discussed as the subject of Dora's suspicions; accused of walking with Rosa and calling her pretty. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xii) The subject of the scandalous rumors; accused of walking arm-in-arm with Rosa Elsworthy and of neglecting Lucy Wodehouse, though Mrs. Morgan believes in his innocence. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xiii) Subject of rumors regarding sudden departure and involvement with Rosa Elsworthy; defended by Miss Wodehouse. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xiv) Absent but central to the rumors; Leonora reflects on his worth as a priest and his actions in Prickett's Lane. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xv) Visits Louisa and is shocked to learn of Gerald's conversion plans; agrees to speak to Gerald. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xvi) The Curate of St. Roque's, acting as advocate for Louisa and struggling with his own conflicted feelings about Lucy Wodehouse. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xvii) Returns home to support his father and brother; feels both love and frustration toward Gerald's idealism. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xvii) The Squire is shocked and bewildered by Gerald's decision; struggles to understand and seeks Frank's help. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xviii) Engages in arguments with Gerald and listens to his father's complaints; feels the weight of family troubles and worries about the future. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xix) Returns to Carlingford after his father's illness, troubled by Jack's telegram and his father's misconception. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xx) Returns to Carlingford anxious about gossip; confronts Elsworthy over Rosa's removal; learns of Mr. Wodehouse's illness and rushes to Grange Lane. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxi) Returns to Carlingford disturbed by his brother's summons; takes charge of the situation by removing Tom Wodehouse from the house; feels bitterness and confusion after his conversation with Lucy. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxii) Indignant and conflicted, he confronts his brother and Tom, decides to shield Tom from the law but orders them out of his house, then retreats to Mrs. Hadwin's parlor to reflect. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxiii) Struggles with his brother's presence and his own sense of duty; takes charge of the Wodehouse affair. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxiv) Exhausted after confronting Mr. Waters; feels frustrated by the attorney's evasiveness and later by Jack's warm reception. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxv) Confronted by Elsworthy and Hayles at dawn, Frank angrily denies any involvement with Rosa's disappearance, though he is troubled by the implications for his reputation. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxvi) Agitated and accusatory, he confronts Wodehouse about Rosa Elsworthy's disappearance, fearing for his own honour. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxvii) Grapples with the slander linking him to Rosa's disappearance and fears for his reputation; receives Gerald's letter; tries to force a will from the dying Mr. Wodehouse, but is stopped by Lucy. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxviii) Walks Mrs. Morgan home, deflects her questions about a scandal, and shows guarded composure. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxix) Feels wounded by scandal and ingratitude; visits his aunts; leaves with Jack. ### [The Empty Room](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxx) Preaches at St. Roque's under public scrutiny; later discovers Tom Wodehouse's disappearance and confronts Jack about the situation. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxi) The prime suspect in Rosa's disappearance, discussed but not present in the chapter. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxii) Receives Miss Wodehouse's note and visits the Wodehouse home; feels humiliated by the community's coldness but finds comfort in being needed. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxiii) Visits Elsworthy's shop, asks about Rosa, receives a letter from the Rector accusing him of scandal, and is excluded from Mr. Wodehouse's funeral. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxiv) Seeks his aunt Leonora's help for the Wodehouse sisters and consults lawyer John Brown about their legal situation and his own slander case. ### [Mr. Wentworth's Day of Reckoning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxv) Returns home fatigued but relieved; explains the scandal to Gerald and Mr. Proctor, revealing Tom Wodehouse's involvement; rushes to find Rosa Elsworthy. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxvi) The accused curate, appearing flushed but not discouraged, eager to face the tribunal. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxviii) Frank recounts his story to the Squire, who cross-examines him with suspicion. He defends Gerald and tries to maintain family unity. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxviii) The Squire is weary and suspicious, cross-examining Frank and struggling to maintain composure when Jack appears. He is deeply affected by Gerald's conversion. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxix) Defends himself against accusations, declares he has a witness to clear his name, and calls Rosa Elsworthy to testify. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xl) Debates with Gerald about faith and authority; struggles with his inability to provide for Lucy. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xli) Feels cheerful after reading Lucy's letter, enjoys public reconciliation, and refuses the offer of Skelmersdale rectory to avoid appearing guilty. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlii) Walks thoughtfully up Grange Lane, chafing at the thought of Huxtable replacing him at Wentworth; rebuffs Elsworthy's manipulative overtures; then goes to Lucy's house in a state of exaltation. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xliv) Frank announces his engagement to Lucy, faces his father's criticism, and receives mixed sympathy from his aunts. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xliv) The Squire is impatient and critical of Frank's decisions, lamenting the loss of Skelmersdale and the rectory, and questioning Frank's choice of bride. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlv) Mentioned as the likely recipient of the Rectory living; his affairs are reaching a crisis. ### [Mr. Wentworth's Evening and Jack's Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlvi) Declines Mrs. Morgan's invitation, dines with his aunts, and later visits Lucy to argue against waiting and self-sacrifice. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlvii) Discussed as the subject of favorable rumors; laughs at gossip but remains intent on persuading Lucy to marry him. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlviii) Absent from his afternoon school, later reveals he has been offered the Rectory of Carlingford, becoming the new Rector. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/frank_wentworth - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters