The Devil to Pay (2020) Plot Summary Explained

Dorothy breaks off her engagement because she becomes captivated by Willie's charming disposition during their day at the Derby. His excitement and luck in placing a winning bet on a 50-to-1 longshot horse impress her, leading her to end her relationship with the financially troubled Grand Duke Paul in favor of pursuing a connection with Willie.

Foreshadowing: The Derby encounter marks the turning point where Dorothy's affection shifts definitively toward Willie.

• dorothy hope
• grand duke paul
• engagement
• derby
• willie hale

Willie insists on completely severing his relationship with Mary Crayle because he wants to fully commit to his proposal to Dorothy Hope. He makes this condition clear to Dorothy, promising never to reignite his romance with Mary as a prerequisite for their engagement.

Foreshadowing: Willie's struggle to communicate this decision face-to-face hints at the emotional complexity of his lingering feelings for Mary.

• mary crayle
• dorothy hope
• proposal
• commitment
• willie hale

Dorothy's father, Mr. Hope, is concerned about his daughter's future and wants to ensure Willie is a reliable prospect for Dorothy. He hires a detective agency to monitor Willie's activities and gather information about his conduct and associations.

Foreshadowing: This surveillance directly leads to the orchestrated phone call that devastates Willie.

• mr hope
• detective
• surveillance
• dorothy father

Dorothy's father orchestrates a phone call between Dorothy and Mary Crayle. This conversation results in Willie's heart being shattered - it appears Mary reveals something that destroys Willie's hopes, likely exposing his attempt to end things with her or revealing information about his true feelings.

Foreshadowing: The setup for this call was laid earlier when Mr. Hope's detectives began monitoring Willie.

• phone call
• mary crayle
• dorothy hope
• heartbreak

After the heartbreak from the phone call, Willie defiantly rejects the £5,000 check from Dorothy. Instead, he chooses to send financial assistance to Grand Duke Paul, who is grappling with hardship. This act demonstrates his independence and compassion, even toward the man who was previously engaged to Dorothy.

Foreshadowing: Willie's character is established early as someone who values loyalty and generosity over financial security.

• £5000
• grand duke paul
• money
• rejection
• generosity

Dorothy feels delighted because Willie's generous act toward Grand Duke Paul shows his noble character and kindness. However, she also feels disillusioned because the same action reminds her of his romantic history and the emotional turmoil she has experienced throughout their relationship.

Foreshadowing: This mixed reaction reflects the complexity of Dorothy's feelings established during the Derby and the subsequent complications.

• dorothy hope
• emotions
• duke
• generosity
• mixed feelings

Mr. Hope, Dorothy's father, offers to acquire a farm in England on Willie's behalf. This surprising act of generosity comes after Willie has already decided to leave for New Zealand to start a sheep farm. The offer delights Lord Leeland, though its true motivation remains ambiguous - it could be genuine kindness, a way to keep Willie closer to Dorothy, or another form of paternal intervention.

Foreshadowing: This offer echoes earlier themes of financial dependency and paternal control over relationships.

• mr hope
• farm
• england
• offer
• lord leeland

Willie plans to travel to New Zealand to fulfill his ambition of starting a sheep farm. This represents his attempt at a new beginning and seeking stability after the emotional turmoil in England, though the offer from Mr. Hope for an English farm may alter these plans.

Foreshadowing: Willie's desire for a fresh start was established early when he returned from East Africa seeking a new beginning.

• new zealand
• sheep farm
• journey
• willie hale

Willie's winning bet on a remarkable 50-to-1 longshot at the Derby serves as a pivotal plot moment that catalyzes the romantic chain of events. The unexpected financial gain and exciting display of luck captivate Dorothy, directly leading her to break off her engagement with Grand Duke Paul and pursue Willie instead.

Foreshadowing: This stroke of luck marks a turning point in Willie's fortunes and in the romantic dynamics.

• derby
• horse race
• 50 to 1
• bet
• winning

Willie finds it difficult to inform Mary about his decision to end their relationship through a letter or phone call. Instead, he resolves to wait outside her theater hoping to confront her face-to-face, indicating his inability to deliver difficult news remotely and his lingering emotional connection to her.

Foreshadowing: This hesitation foreshadows the emotional confrontation at Mary's home and the heartbreak that follows.

• mary crayle
• communication
• theater
• confrontation
• willie