Chapter II, “Telling How Vanity Fair Made Acquaintance With Richard Calmady,” documents the Calmadys’ arrival in London in early April. Katherine Calmady, Richard’s mother, has reconciled herself to leaving the cloistered Brockhurst life after the autumn tension caused by Helen de Vallorbes’ visit, and is determined to help Richard build a full, happy life despite his physical deformity. She steels herself to face potential mockery or pity from society, only to find the Calmadys are an immediate social sensation: Richard’s wealth, good looks, distinguished lineage, and air of mystery make him the most sought-after bachelor in London. Invitations pour in, and the Calmadys exercise careful selection over which events they attend, with Richard avoiding walking in public to hide his deformity but driving to the opera, theatre, and exclusive dinners, and hosting lavish events at his Lowndes Square house. Ludovic Quayle, who advocated for the move to London, watches Richard’s rise closely, initially fearing the attention might make him vain or self-pitying, but relieved to find Richard remains modest and avoids drawing attention to his disability. Honoria St. Quentin, staying with the Aldhams in town, is uneasy about the Calmadys’ new social circle. She and Ludovic discuss Richard in Hyde Park one May afternoon: Honoria admits she dislikes Richard for his past treatment of Helen de Vallorbes, but is increasingly sorry for him and his mother, feeling the social whirl is cheapening Katherine, who belonged in the grand, quiet setting of Brockhurst rather than London’s frivolous “Vanity Fair.” She confides she plans to leave town early to avoid watching Richard being fawned over by opportunistic society members.
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