The Story of Brideshead Revisited

VII

When Charles travels to Brideshead a few days after Christmas, he finds to his surprise that Sebastian and Samgrass are in the same train. Samgrass’s explanation of their late arrival arouses his suspicions and later he finds out that Sebastian had spent Christmas in his own alcoholic fashion after escaping from his guardian.

In the evening Samgrass shows the family his photographs of the Middle Eastern trip. It is noticeable that Sebastian rarely appears in them. But he is present in one of them, and so is Anthony Blanche, whom they had met at Constantinople. Charles notices Sebastian’s new wariness and scruffy appearance, but does not immediately enquire into the reasons. He entertains the family with a description of his life in Paris where he is now studying art. He also notices that Sebastian is still drinking secretly; Bridey tells him that Lady Marchmain is discreetly rationing the alcohol supply.

Sebastian explains to Charles that he had given Samgrass the slip in Constantinople and spent the time drinking while Samgrass actually did the tourist round by himself. Charles had of course suspected something of the kind, but the family, apart from Julia, appear to be deceived.

The following morning a hunt takes place. Bridey as Joint Master appears splendidly dressed, and so does Cordelia, who likes to maintain standards. Sebastian, who has expressed a wish to hunt, wears a tweed coat, much to Cordelia’s dismay. He buttonholes Charles and asks him for money. He tells him that he intends to spend the day drinking rather than hunting.

While the hunt is on, Samgrass tells Charles that for the time being he can relax, as Sebastian has no money to get drunk with. Lady Marchmain also takes comfort from the idea that her son is getting some healthy exercise. So when Sebastian does arrive home very late with a red face, they think he has benefitted from being in the open air; Charles knows differently. Lady Marchmain also tells Charles that it will be impossible for Sebastian to have a holiday with him in London, even though he warns her that she is going about the wrong way of dealing with the problem.

Rex arrives during the day and brings an obscene present - a tortoise with Julia’s name set in diamonds in the shell. Rex also has his solution to Sebastian’s drink (and sex) problem, a visit to an eminent specialist in Zurich. Charles feels that their relationship has weakened and asks Sebastian the following morning if he wants him around. When Sebastian says he doesn’t Charles knows that their friendship is over. He goes to bid farewell to Lady Marchmain and admits to her that he gave money to Sebastian the previous day, much to her consternation and incomprehension. When he leaves he feels he will never return.

Later, when he is back in Paris, Cordelia sends him a letter giving him a lot of information. She too has helped Sebastian get drink; Samgrass has left in disgrace; and Rex is taking Sebastian to Zurich. So it is no great surprise to find Rex is there waiting for him when he returns to his apartment one day. Sebastian has given him the slip too. Charles uses the opportunity to have a fine meal at Rex’s expense and learn more about the situation at Brideshead from a man who has made a point of knowing everything. Julia had betrayed Samgrass’s deceit to Lady Marchmain when she could stomach his oiliness no longer. Lady Marchmain herself was mortally ill, with less than two years to live. The family were not as rich as they had once been because they did not invest their fortune wisely but let their money do nothing. Rex is now on the way to Monte Carlo to see Lord Marchmain and get his permission to marry Julia since her mother is trying to prevent their wedding.

Later Charles reads in the paper that Rex and Julia had been married at the Savoy Chapel. Rex had obviously squared Lord Marchmain all right.