The duel begins between the Eustace family lawyer, Mr. Camperdown, and Lizzie over the possession of the diamond necklace, with Lizzie advised by her not entirely scrupulous attorneys Messrs. Mobray and Mopus.
Definition: appaneges = dependent possessions
Camperdown incensed at Lizzie's willful retention of the necklace: "£10,000 my dear John! And she is to be allowed to filch it as other widows filch china cups and a silver teaspoon or two!"
In her face-off with Camperdown, Lizzie desperately wishes sage advice, but hesitates as all those from whom she would seek it would be likely to advise her to return the diamonds -- which, of course, she is determined not to do.
The "vulturess" Lady Linlithgow comes to Lizzie on an embassy from Camperdown. Though old, she has great resilience: "she was one of those old women . . . on whom old age appears to have no debilitating effects. If the hand of Lady Lithlingow ever trembled, it trembled from anger; -- if her foot ever faltered, it faltered for effect. . . . She was as hard as an oak post, -- but then she was also as reliable."
Of Lucy's charitable but domineering employer Lady Fawn (who has forbidden her to receive visits by Frank Greylock): "Lady Fawn was a tower of strength to Lucy. But then a tower of strength may at any moment become a dungeon."
Lizzie, desperate for support, accepts Lord Fawn's proposal of marriage. Fawn, meanwhile, is in straightened circumstances and has his eyes fixed on Lizzie's income.
His proposal very much an act of "matrimonial speculation," Lord Fawn has investigated Lizzie's finances -- and appreciates her beauty -- but has no idea of her character whatsoever. "For aught he knew, she might be afflicted by every vice to which a woman can be subject. In truth, she was afflicted by so many, that the addition of all the others could hardly have made her worse than she was."
In their marital negotiations, Fawn is slow but practical and Lizzie "quick as a lizard" but ill-informed. Lizzie is shocked to hear that Fawn's lawyer is Mr. Camperdown; Fawn equally disquieted to learn that the Eustace family is threatening legal action for recovery of the diamond necklace.
To lock the discomfited Lord Fawn into the marriage, Lizzie quickly broadcasts news of the engagement throughout society.
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