Viscount Duquette

Character Analysis

This suitor is "a university fellow […] handsome, well educated, graying at the sides" (16.81). Problem is, he didn't come to court Azalea, he came for Clover, saying: "Your beauty has reached somewhat legendary status, where I am from. […] I am pleased to see the rumors were no exaggeration. To fine beauty, my lady, to romance, and to stories of golden hair" (16.82). The King throws him out after this highly inappropriate speech.

But that's not the end of Viscount Duquette. He shows up again to secretly try to persuade Clover to elope with him. He's prepared to use force if necessary, because when Fairweller walks in on Duquette asking the girls where Clover has gone, Duquette tells him: "We are men of the world, are we not? Ladies like her are easily bullied." (16.147) Ew, dude. Fairweller has his wits about him though, and lies about Clover's location, even setting Duquette up with a carriage to take him far, far away.