Forsyte Saga: Book I: Part II. Mostly...

[isabel79]

Part I.

Characters:
Thomas Forsyte:  (b. 1862)  Son of Roger.  Brother of Young Roger, George, Francie, Eustace and Thomas.
Giles Hayman:  Son of Susan, brother to St. John, Augustus, Jesse and Annabel.
Jesse Hayman:  Son of Susan, brother to St. John, Augustus, Giles and Annabel.
Young Nicholas Foryste:  (b. 1849)  Son of Nicholas.  Brother to Archibald, Marian, Ernest, Florence, and Euphemia.
Tweetyman:  Married to Marian (nee Forsyte), a daughter of Nicholas.
Spender:  Married to Annabel (nee Hayman) a daughter of Susan.
Warry:  A nonmale Forsyte's husband.
George Liversedge:  School friend of Soames.
Mrs. Heron:  Irene's Stepmother.
Bilson:  Servant at Soames's
Euphemia Forsyte:  (b. 1862)  Nicholas's youngest daughter.  Sister of Young Nicholas, Archibald, Marian, Ernest, and Florence.
Marian Tweetyman:  (b. 1859)  Daughter to Nicholas.  Married to Tweetyman.  Sister to Young Nicholas, Archibald, Ernest, Florence and Euphemia.
Francie Forsyte:  (b.  1858)  Daughter of Roger.  Sister to Young Roger, George, Eustage and Thomas.
Hemmings:  Secretary at New Colliery Company.
Scorrier:  Miner.
Booker:  Board member at New Colliery Company.
Bleedham:  Board member at New Colliery Company.
Scrubsole:  Share holder at New Colliery Company.
Reverend Mr. Bom:  Share holder at New Colliery Company.
Major O'Bally:  Share holder at New Colliery Company.
Sir Charles Fiste:  Son is friends with Young Jolyon.
Gathercole:  One of Frances's lovers.
Miss Pink:  Friend of Frances.
Sankey:  Old Jolyon's driver.



Chapter IX:

One AM, Aunt Ann was not able to take her "crown" from Smither.  A doctor is called.  Aunt Ann has died in her sleep.

Aunts Juley and Hester are shocked.  It was so unlike Ann to leave without a word.

More shocked that a Forsyte has let go of the grip on life?

They waited an hour before Timothy was told.  He took it better than expected, but remained in bed.

Juley returned to her room.  Cried.

Hester to the drawing room.  Curtains drawn.  Initially she cried, then sat in silence.  Nothing would bring Ann back, why worry?

At 5, Jolyon, James and Swithen arrive.  Nicholas is away.  Roger has gout.

Mrs. Hayman had visited and left.  Not seeing Timothy, but felt she should have been told sooner.

Everyone had that feeling they should have been told sooner, that they had missed something.

They view the body.  Ann seemed stronger in death / had a spirit trying to regain what she had just given up.

One look by Swithen and he drives out of the room and back to his home.

Old Jolyon was the only one to remember his mother's death.  Death will come to all.

James of all, cried the most / was affected for weeks.

Eventually they all left, James being the last gives Ann a kiss.

James bumps into Smither who knew nothing about funeral plans.  Best to summon Soames to deal with such things.

Arrivals to the funeral.

Soames and George dislike each other.

Giles and Jesse, sons of Susan (Hayman) arrive.

All males were present but Timothy and Young Jolyon.

All dressed in black with gloves.  They are shocked to see "The Buccaneer" without gloves / in grey trousers.

They had met and pile into carriages.  8 for the family, 13 in all for additional people, servants.

In the 1st, Old Jolyon and Nicholas talk of wills.

Swithen and James, being deaf grew tired of trying to be heard.  James mentions needing ground somewhere.

The 4th containing Soames, Young Nicholas, George and Bosinney.

George mentions no one should live passed 60.  Nick comments his father made his fortune after 60.  George then says they should die and leave money to their children.

Soames says they have no business talking if they had not made their own money.  Bosinney agrees.

Arriving at the chapel, filing in 2 by 2.  Impressive for London to see.  It was Ann's final triumph of family unity / strength.  Like a tree...

Ann had seen the tree young, growing to strong and grown.  She died before she could see past that.

The family gathered for it's last pageant, before its fall.

Reading the inscription, thinking of names soon to join.  They felt a cold chill in the air.

Some go to Timothy's for lunch.

Soames has more business with the cemetery.  He walks with Bosinney.  Later they have lunch in an inn.  They discuss the house.

Bosinney leaves for Stanhope Gate to meet June.

Returning home, with the exception of the funeral, Soames feels it has been a good day.  Good conversation with Bosinney.  All is going well.

Soames tells Irene, Bosinney had asked of her a few times...

As a sign of proprietorship Soames kisses Irene's shoulder.[7]

Part II:
Chapter I:

Building of the house had begun.  The shell was up by the end of April.

Soames meets with Bosinney to discuss the finances.

It's ₤700 over.  Bosinney says there is nothing he can do.  Soames pushes the accounting sheets off the table.

Both were responsible.  Bosinney and devotion to art, Soames wanting the best for his money.

Irene was acting strange...  Soames believed it was because she liked Bosinney and the idea of the house.  Therefore, he could not break off the deal.

Bosinney defends himself saying Soames is getting a 1st rate job but at a 4th rate fee.

Soames does his best to calm Bosinney and wants to see where his money has gone.

It was a spring day.  On a day like this, Soames promised Irene what he promised many times.  Seated on a trunk of a fallen tree.  She would ask him...  If their marriage was not a success she would be free.

A few days ago Soames denied saying so to Irene's face, but inwardly he knew he had said it.  He said it to win her love.

Soames thinks of their courtship.

Visiting a school friend with a business proposition, his friend's wife threw a musical tea party.

Soames found it a bore, but spots a girl by herself in mourning.  Love at first sight.

Soames is introduced with not much to say, Irene giving him little to respond to.  He was still determined to see her again.

Soames had a chance meeting with Mrs. Heron.

Soames discovers Irene lived over her ₤50/yr.

Mrs. Heron intends to remarry and Irene is in her way.  Mrs. Heron was therefore an ally to Soames.

Soames would visit Bournemouth and propose at every visit only to return to London with a sore heart.

At one dance, Soames's senses tingling after a waltz, seeing Irene glance at him, waving a fan, he seizes her arm and kisses it.  The shudder...  The adverse look on Irene's face.  Soames will never forget it.

A year later Irene yielded.  Soames did not know why.  He asked her once.  Silence.

Bosinney and Soames go to Soames's from Robin Hill.  Bosinney is meeting June for the theatre.

Bosinney had a smile on his face...  What was he smiling for?

Bosinney wanted Irene's opinion on tile color.

Soames brings up the price and tells Bosinney he almost gave up.  He never gives up on anything he sets his mind on.

June arrives.  Bosinney is in the drawing room.  Irene dressing.

June stops the maid from telling Irene she has arrived, so she may see Bosinney alone.

June enters the drawing room.  Not being able to see Bosinney at first, she hears him talking.  It is Irene.

June sees them in the garden.  Her first instinct was to walk away, but she approaches.

Bosinney and Irene are talking of the house.  Irene looks up, with a look worse than coquettish, but one of fear of a look that would say much.

June comes into view saying it's stuffy in the drawing room.  "Were you talking of the house?  I've never seen the house."

Uncle Swithen is to drive Irene on Sunday, so she cannot see the house on Sunday.  June tells her to forget Swithen!

Soames interrupts.  Dinner is ready.

Chapter II:

Dinner is mostly silent.  Bosinney commenting it is the 1st of spring.  Irene agrees.  June saying there isn't air to breath.  Silence again.

June barely eating anything.

Bosinney comment on the azaleas.  June can't stand the scent.  Irene offers to have them removed.  Let them stay.

Irene and Bosinney's eyes meet and June scornfully interrupts their convo on the sunset.

Soon they leave for the play.  June practically storms out.  Irene softly says good night.

June sat in the upper boxes...  Since 15 she had sat in the best seats with Old Jolyon.

June had hoped the night would return their relationship to what it was before winter.

June had gone out with Bosinney, without a chaperone...

June wanted to say something to Bosinney who seemed clueless to anything being wrong.

After the 1st act June goes to the balcony for some air.  She "confronts" Bosinney.  She wants to see the house on Sunday.  He cannot...  They return to their seats after the 2nd act had begun.

Behind was Euphemia and Mrs. Tweetyman.  Word got to Timothy's about June and her fiancée.  How they sat in the stalls.  How the engagement would not last...

June returns home.  Old Jolyon sees her and invites her to milk.

June talks of dinner at Soames's...  With Bosinney AND Irene?

With June's body language Old Jolyon had suspicions and no longer pushes her.  She leaves almost crying.

After June left, Old Jolyon wanted to say to Bosinney...  Ask him if he was leaving her.  He spends too much time at Soames's.

June would never leave him.

Chapter III:

Swithen prepares to drive Irene.  New plaid rug, top down.

Swithen got the name "4 in hand" Forsyte, the reputation for horses.  He had been "Welshed by some thimble riggers"...

Swithen later discusses what Irene was wearing to the Aunts.

On the drive, Swithen was under the impression Irene enjoyed the drive.

On Saturday, Irene was seen writing to Swithen, calling it off.  Soames would not allow it.

Tearing the note, Soames sees Irene writing to Bosinney,

On the drive, Irene mentions Robin Hill...  It was out of the way, but Swithen would like to see the house too.

Bosinney greets them.  Swithen looks at the place.  Feels the vestibule is perfect for a billiard room, with the glass ceiling...

Spacious.  Swithen is brought to the wine cellar.  He was tired.  Sits in a chair to admire the view.  Irene and Bosinney go down to the fields.

Swithen falls asleep.

Generations of Forsytes below with their plots of land, instinct for possession.

Swithen's jealous spirit travels to see Irene / Bosinney, to the spring, to the narrow path.  So narrow they were almost touching.  Seeing them kiss.  Bosinney professing his love for Irene.

Swithen wakes up.  Looking around.  He soon sees Irene and Bosinney walking back up.

Irene and Bosinney see Swithen looking.  They stop and talk.

Swithen looked at their faces.  The young man looked queer.

Swithen says the home is too new fangled.

Swithen later tells Aunt Hester he's a bumpy beggar.

The mention of tea and champagne gave Swithen an extraordinary impression.

Drinking the wine, Swithen thought / later voiced to Timothy...  Bosinney's sweet on Mrs. Soames.

Swithen mentions Bosinney picking up Irene's handkerchief, slobbering over it when he thought no one was watching.

But Irene never encouraged him.  Swithen then remembered Bosinney offering his hand and Irene let it linger...

Alone with Irene, Swithen talked of business, etc.  Listening, she must have pitied him.

On the road, they meet a similar couple...  A ruffian and his lady.  Another carriage comes out of a gate and the other vehicle is overturned.

Swithen continues.  The horses are startled.  Irene is afraid of an accident.  Swithen asserts it is fine.

Irene say in a voice not like her own...  She doesn't care is she never gets home.

Swithen tells this to the Aunts.  He's not surprised with Soames as her husband.  Aunt Juley wheezes in terror.

Swithen imagines Bosinney wandering the grounds like a dog.  Going back to the stream, pressing the handkerchief to his lips.

Chapter IV:

Word of the drive, etc reached June.  And with her sudden departure from Timothy's they knew something was wrong.

It was all coming together, the things, the behavior Euphemia observed at the theater, Bosinney always being at the Soames's.

There was no ill intent in the gossip.  Each person had stake in the family soul.  It enabled communication with all branches / guaranteed membership.

The younger generation tried to stay out of it, but there was the invisible magnetism.  They could not help to know everything.

It was a while since Young Jolyon's escapades.  The family had forgotten it / moved on.  There was danger of tradition arising again.

James was most affected by the rumor.  He thinks of his early days.  Courting Emily.  His first house, small.  Was his marriage prudent?  She had nothing.  He himself having only ₤1000/yr.  Wanting her.

James had forgotten what it was like to be in love.

James could not believe the rumors.  True Soames and Irene didn't get along, but she was a nice girl...

He decides to see if the rumors were true for himself.  James could not rest with the possible scandal in his midst.

It was the house...  James knew it would not be good.  Why did Soames hire Bosinney, who no one trusted?  It was costing Soames more than he intended as well.

James felt looking at the house, built by the suspected man, would be like looking into the heart of the situation.

James makes his way to Robin Hill.  Grey, heavy skies, no freshness, no fragrance.  Men working.

James stops in front of the porch and stares for several minutes.

Bosinney greets him.  Without looking, James extends his hand, how do you do?

There was something strange in Bosinney's courtesy.

James mentions taking down the oak tree.  Bosinney feels it adds to the view, but if he says so...  It shall come down.

Don't say I told you to.  Keep it up, then.  Shall I mention your name?  No!  Don't touch the tree!  It's not yours!

Going inside James is impressed by the inner courtyard.

Bosinney wanted to show the place.  James wanted to look at everything twice.  But he was tired...  Of Bosinney's politeness.  James gained nothing but more mistrust of Bosinney.

Before leaving, knowing Irene visited, but knowing nothing more than her comment about not wanting to go home / June's reaction.  James asked...  What did Irene think, since she has NOT seen the place?

Irene has seen the house.  Not with Soames.  Bosinney did not want to reveal Swithen...

James leaves.  Bosinney slinking against the wall like a cat.

Chapter V:

James does not mention seeing the house to Soames, but mentions it at Timothy's.

James sees potential in the house, yet worries of the cost.

Euphemia is present, to borrow Rev Scole's book and mentions seeing Irene and Bosinney happily chatting at the market.

Euphemia recalls a color in Irene who was usually pale, an attractiveness in Bosinney.  The look on Irene's face worried her.

Euphemia had little time to think more on it at the time.  Nodding in acknowledgment of Irene's presence she went on.

She tells Francie.

James tries to explain the situation.  Buying wallpaper...  At the groceries?

James leaves for Forsyte, Bustard and Forsyte.  Soames sitting at a desk.

Soames present a letter written to him from Bosinney.

The house is done.  Bosinney wants a free hand in decorating.  Does he have it or shall he retire?

They suspect it is because of a revolt against his position toward Soames.

A client has come about a building on land they did not own.  Soames felt they were entitled to it.

Soames had the reputation of giving sound advice.  Safe.

Soames is to meet with Old Jolyon and wants to discuss Bosinney.

Pippin has committed suicide.

A general meeting was held.  Soames attended them all.

Board / Share holders bring up money given / proposed to be given to the widow of their former superintendent.  It being too much / not the board's money to give.

A reverend / share holder mentions the fact he committed suicide should be taken into consideration.

They look to Soames as the company’s solicitor.

Soames is against giving money to people who have done nothing to deserve it.  It is time England stand against sentimental humanitarianism.

Soames's thoughts return to Bosinney.

Soames did not mind the visit to the house, but would have liked to be told about it.

Irene was more silent, touchy.  She brought up separate rooms again.

There was an animosity between Old Jolyon and Soames.

Both were different, yet set the high water mark for their class.  Old Jolyon questioned his position.  Soames did not.

Then his brother, James, who was weak...  That his son, Soames should achieve greatness, when his own son...

Old Jolyon hearing of the rumors blamed, not Irene, but Soames .  Why could he not take better care of his wife?

Soames  shows Old Jolyon the letter, hoping he can speak to Bosinney.

Old Jolyon wants nothing to do with it.

Soames replies to Bosinney.  He cannot exceed 12K.  Which is more than first agreed upon.

Bosinney replies, he cannot comply and resigns.

Soames thinks on it and says a few pounds over will not be a problem.  Reconsider.

"Very well."

Chapter VI:

Old Jolyon goes to the Zoo to think on June.  She has been changed.

June never talked of it / bites Old Jolyon's head off if he brought it up.

At the zoo, Old Jolyon spots his son, Jolly and Holly.

Young Jolyon and fam had been to the botanical gardens and decided to go to the zoo to have their monies worth.  They would avoid the horrid common people.

Young Jolyon had intermittent contempt for his class (those that dressed well and had carriages).

Young Jolyon thinks of his father's generation / in the eyes of Forsytes, the pleasure of seeing animals in zoos outweighed the imprisonment.

Before leaving Old Jolyon had the opportunity to speak to the younger, about June.

Old Jolyon wants to punch Bosinney in the head...  Why doesn't Young Jolyon?

Young Jolyon suggests June and Bosinney break it off.  Old Jolyon is reminded, the younger may have a different view on the subject.

Young Jolyon guesses at the situation.  Old Jolyon reveals it is Irene.  This bought a smile to Young Jolyon's face.

Mentions Irene is June's friend.  Young Jolyon thinks of June as a baby of 3yo.

Old Jolyon is agitated and asks Jo to fetch him a cab.  Waiting, Young Jolyon spots Uncle James, Rachel and Winifred in a barouche.

Old Jolyon did not notice, but there was recognition of Young Jolyon from Uncle James and Winifred.

Winifred had been 15...  15 years have past and they were still the same calculated arrogance.

Old Jolyon leaves saying he will see him soon.  He doesn't believe in the Bosinney business, so forget he said anything.

Chapter VII:

James, seeing Old Jolyon with his son awakened sibling rivalry in him.

All 6 brothers wondered yet claimed ignorance of the other's worth.

Added was the issue of Bosinney and June.  Old Jolyon was in disbelief.  James was sure it was June's doing.

Old Jolyon decides to go to Timothy's to see if he could get more info out.  

James was already there, no doubt talking of the meeting.

The drawing room was occupied by Mrs. Smalls, Aunt Hester, Swithen, James, Rachel, Winifred, Euphemia, Frances when Old Jolyon enters.

Swithen the first to arrive immediately brings up Irene.  He could not believe she was capable of anything more than a bit of flirtation.  He prevented himself from using the word scandal.

Swithen thinks of the family's origins as yeomen.  Remembers telling Young Jolyon of it, how they got along.  There must be good blood in him.

He liked Young Jolyon.  He had a style to him.  Now he's an underwriter that paints pictures.  He could have been Sir Jolyon with a seat in Parlement.

Swithen had gone to the Heralds' Office and was told they are the same as the Forsites whose arms were "three Dexter buckles on a sable ground gules."  He was sure the crest was a "pheasant proper", motto "For Forsite."  He had that made and placed on his carriages and his servant's buttons.

The crest spread through the family.  The elder generation, not telling the younger of it's origins.

Frances is described.  Tall, slender, dark haired.  "Celtic appearance."  Examples of the arts in the family.  Wrote songs.

Frances made it a point of knowing the right people, people in Society.  She was universally respected.

Once when Frances had an attachment she composed a violin sonata, that was deemed rubbish by the family.

Frances's work was not classical.  Nothing today was.  It wasn't Paradise Lost.  But they did like her making money instead of spending it, like other women of the day.

Swithen thinks on Euphemia who is "Nick's Daughter."  The pale one.  Swithen refused to be her Godfather because of her name.

Euphemia tells Aunt Hester of seeing Irene at Church and the Commercial store without Soames.  And with Bosinney.

At the mention of Irene, James and Co had entered.

Dartie excused himself with a toothache, but went to his club.

Dartie inquires about the dog races.

Looking out the bay window Dartie sees Soames and runs to the card rooms that Soames never enters.

Dartie could not join in the gossip by the window.  His finances being low, word would get back to James.

There was never a family where things came around so.

Dartie wondered where he'd get money if Erotic failed.

None of the Forsytes were sporting.  Maybe George.  But Soames, if Dartie asked to borrow money, Soames would have a fit or gave him a look.

Dartie tried to be friendly with Irene.  She looked on him as if he were dirt.  He knows not all women were soft.  Soames would soon find out.

Old Jolyon's arrival to Timothy's.  Conversation died.  Awkwardness.

Saying he's been away for a while.  Busy understandably.  Old Jolyon looking at James saying he wouldn't be busy if people minded their own business.

Aunt Juley asks about June.  London is no good for her.  Clatter, chatter.

No one spoke.  Swithen gets up.  He would not sit there to feel like that.  Turing to Francie, he invites her for a drive remembering his drive with Irene.  Saying goodbye to Old Jolyon.  Wear an overcoat, you'll get sciatica.

After leaving they all secretly look at each other for reaction of the word "drive."

Old Jolyon was getting angry.  He had come to squash the rumors.  He wanted to spare his niece but the others were fare game.  He calls for Timothy.

Sensing threat to Timothy, Juley offers tea.  He declines and leaves.

Anger turned to sadness.  Old Jolyon felt the rumors were true.

Back in the drawing room conversation began again with the personal knowledge they had not talked of scandal.  It was the other's doing.

Frances mentions Uncle Jolyon is changed.  James agrees.  He's aged tremendously within the last year.

They all leave.

Before bed, Aunt Juley tells Hester she is worried about Jolyon.  What is there to be done?  How should she know?

Aunt Juley alone, cries, thinking of how she can help Jolyon and be loved by him like she was by the late Septimus.

Chapter VIII:

A dance is prepared at Roger's.

He did not invest in a band.  Too expensive, but relied on Francie and a cornet player to supply the music.

Francie prepared such things, her mother in bed with chronic dyspepsia.

She had hoped come 2, Roger would request God Save The Queen and slip away.

Three or four of Francie's girl friends had tea and chicken upstairs.  The gentlemen drank at Eustace's club.

Mrs. Smalls arrives alone.  The other guests arrive.

Mothers sit for hours, quiet, content only if their daughter is noticed.

The Jameses, Soames and Irene arrive.

Soames spends the dance against the wall.  Waltz after waltz he did not dance.

Scorn in his smile, Soames occasionally looked about the room.  Spotting what he sought, the smile died from his lips.

Irene danced with others.  He was sick of other's comments of her dancing so well.

George approaches Soames asking if he's seen The Buccaneer.  He's gotten a hair cut.

June and Uncle Jolyon arrive.  Why so late?  Why hadn't she come with Irene?  Soames realizes it's been a while since he's seen June.

Soames sees June's pale face turn crimson red.  Turns to see the cause.  Bosinney on the arm of his wife.

Soames sees June gesture to Jolyon.  They pass through a doorway, out of sight.

A waltz began.  Soames, standing in the dark watches Bosinney and Irene pass.  A look on her face he has never seen.

Soames turns to the balcony and sees 2 figures enter a carriage and drive off.

June and Uncle Jolyon have dinner by themselves.

The morning of the party, June mentioned wanting to go.  She always went with Irene, why not now?  She would go with her grandfather.

June went out, bought flowers.  Wanted to look her best, for him...

Lunch.  June talked brightly.  Then sobbed in her bedroom till dinner.

At 10, June called down for her maid.  If Mr. Forsyte is tired she will go alone.

Old Jolyon dressed.  It was late, but he dared not cross June.

Entering, June hid her emotions of nervousness, shame for running after Bosinney.  Dreading he would not be there.

Seeing the ballroom...  She loved to dance.  Bosinney would ask her to dance and it would be like nothing had happened.

Seeing Bosinney with utter absorption of Irene on his face, made her ill.  They left.

June burst into tears in the carriage.  Without words, Old Jolyon comforts her stroking her head.

Random Notes:
Chapter IX:
7.  LOL!  Actually I dislike the outright saying it's because he feels the need to show her she is his...  I'd like to interpret it as maybe he actually loves her...

Part III, The end.

Will update as I continue to read.
Last Updated:  Tuesday, April 1, 2008.  6:14 P.M.