The Golden Bowl

Charlotte and Adam have been married for two years. She attends “a great official party” (179), with guests from the upper echelons of the London elite. Fanny Assingham is present; she asks Charlotte why she is attending the party with Amerigo rather than with her husband. Adam did not feel well enough to attend, Charlotte says, but sent Charlotte in the company of Maggie and Amerigo. Shortly after they arrived, however, Maggie felt a need to return to her father, leaving Charlotte and Amerigo alone.

Charlotte’s explanation surprises Fanny. She wonders whether Charlotte, as Adam’s wife, should’ve returned home instead of his daughter. Charlotte says Maggie frequently spends time with her father, often pushing Charlotte and Amerigo to the side. Charlotte explains that Adam and Maggie are very close; she has not succeeded in passing Maggie in Adam’s affections. As Fanny grows increasingly uncomfortable with the subject, Charlotte assures her that the time she spends with Amerigo is entirely appropriate, even though they have a prior relationship, as they did not intend to go out alone and were deserted by their respective partners. Fanny remains uncomfortable. Charlotte is worried that Fanny might desert her, too. Amerigo appears with the Ambassador at his side.