Duplicity by Elodie Hart Summary, Characters and Themes

Duplicity by Elodie Hart is a complex narrative that explores the emotional and moral struggles of a mother, Marlowe, as she battles to secure the life-saving surgery her daughter, Tabby, desperately needs.  Facing overwhelming financial and personal challenges, Marlowe is pushed to consider a drastic, morally ambiguous solution to afford the medical treatment.

The story delves into themes of sacrifice, self-worth, and the blurred lines between professional and personal boundaries.  As Marlowe grapples with her choices, she finds herself entangled in an unexpected relationship with a wealthy and influential man, Brendan Sullivan, which becomes both a source of support and internal conflict.

Summary

Marlowe is a single mother to her daughter, Tabby, who has a congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot.  The condition causes Tabby to experience “blue spells,” where her oxygen levels drop dangerously low, and the constant fear of losing her daughter hangs over Marlowe.

One day, Tabby suffers a serious incident at school, prompting Marlowe to rush her to the hospital.  The cardiologist informs her that Tabby’s condition is worsening, and she may need surgery sooner than expected.

Marlowe is devastated by the news but determined to do whatever it takes to save her daughter’s life, even if it means facing difficult choices.

Marlowe is a strong and resilient woman, but her financial situation makes it almost impossible to afford the treatment Tabby needs.  The National Health Service (NHS) is stretched thin, and Marlowe faces long waiting times and uncertainty.

Despite her dedication to her daughter’s well-being, the financial reality is overwhelming, and Marlowe feels the weight of the responsibility resting solely on her shoulders.  To make matters worse, she is a single mother with no support from Tabby’s father.

Her best friend, Athena, offers her a potential solution: an expensive surgery abroad, but the cost is far beyond what Marlowe can afford.  Athena suggests that Marlowe consider joining an exclusive agency called Seraph, which matches high-end clients with assistants who are also available for more intimate engagements.

Athena even offers to pay for the surgery, but Marlowe refuses, feeling that she cannot accept money earned from Athena’s work in the escort business.  However, the idea of joining Seraph lingers in Marlowe’s mind as she realizes the potential to secure the funds necessary for Tabby’s operation.

Marlowe is conflicted.  The thought of using her appearance and charm to attract a wealthy client to afford the surgery disgusts her, but she is running out of options.

Athena coaches her through the process, preparing Marlowe for what lies ahead.  Despite her discomfort, Marlowe comes to the grim realization that she might have to sacrifice her personal values to save her daughter.

Marlowe eventually meets Brendan Sullivan, a wealthy CEO and potential client for Seraph.  Brendan is confident, used to getting what he wants, and initially dismisses the idea of hiring Marlowe.

However, there is undeniable chemistry between them, and Marlowe begins to realize that her personal and professional boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred.  Although she tries to keep things professional, the tension between them grows, especially as Marlowe struggles with her attraction to him.

Marlowe prepares for a high-stakes “interview” with Brendan, undergoing a transformation under Athena’s guidance.  She is coached on how to look glamorous, including wearing a designer dress and flawless makeup.

Marlowe feels conflicted about her new appearance, questioning whether she is compromising her integrity for the sake of securing a job that could save her daughter’s life.  The guilt she feels is palpable as she realizes that she will not only have to impress Brendan with her appearance but also perform sexually for him to secure the position.

The night of the meeting arrives, and Marlowe is both nervous and unsure of herself.  She feels disconnected from her true identity, torn between her internal moral compass and the need to make an unimaginable sacrifice for Tabby’s future.

As the evening unfolds, Marlowe’s feelings of guilt and shame are compounded by the unexpected pleasure she finds in the physical encounter with Brendan.  Though she tries to stay focused on her goal—securing the funds for Tabby’s surgery—Marlowe is conflicted about the nature of her relationship with Brendan, which is now both professional and deeply personal.

In the following chapters, Marlowe is preparing for Tabby’s life-changing surgery in the United States.  She has secured the necessary funds through her relationship with Brendan, who has provided both financial and emotional support, though their relationship continues to evolve in complicated ways.

Marlowe’s interactions with Brendan have shifted from professional to personal, and she struggles to balance her growing feelings for him with her focus on her daughter’s health.

Brendan’s behavior is erratic, and Marlowe remains cautious about getting too close.  Despite their increasing physical intimacy, Marlowe resists letting Brendan become too involved in her personal life, especially as she continues to focus on Tabby’s surgery.

Brendan, however, is increasingly attentive and supportive, arranging for private healthcare and doing everything he can to make the process smoother for Marlowe and Tabby.  His gestures, while generous, complicate Marlowe’s feelings, as she is torn between the transactional nature of their relationship and the deep emotional connection she begins to feel.

As the trip to the U. S.

approaches, Marlowe faces the harsh reality of her situation.  Though she is terrified and exhausted, her determination to ensure Tabby’s survival is unwavering.

At the same time, she is becoming more emotionally entangled with Brendan, whose presence in her life has become both a source of comfort and confusion.  Marlowe remains focused on her ultimate goal—securing the surgery for Tabby—yet she finds herself unable to ignore the deepening emotional complexities of her relationship with Brendan.

In the final chapters, the stakes are raised as Marlowe and Brendan’s relationship reaches its peak.  Brendan’s affection for Marlowe grows, and he begins to show a different side of himself.

His wealth and influence no longer seem like the driving force of their connection; instead, it is his emotional commitment to her and Tabby that becomes more apparent.  Brendan’s transformation from a seemingly shallow billionaire to a devoted partner is a key element in the conclusion of the story.

Marlowe, too, begins to accept the love and support he offers, finally acknowledging that she does not have to face her struggles alone.

The novel concludes with Marlowe, Brendan, and Tabby settling into a new, stable life.  Brendan proposes to Marlowe, and, in an act of profound commitment, also proposes to adopt Tabby.

The family’s future is secured, both financially and emotionally, marking a new chapter in their lives.  Despite the challenges they faced, the story ends on a hopeful note, as Marlowe and Brendan build a family together, ready to embrace the future with love and devotion.

Characters

Marlowe

Marlowe is the central character of Duplicity and embodies strength, resilience, and determination.  A single mother, she is fiercely dedicated to her daughter Tabby, whose heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot, poses constant health risks.

Marlowe’s devotion to Tabby is the driving force behind much of her actions, including making difficult choices that challenge her moral compass.  Throughout the story, Marlowe undergoes a transformation, both emotionally and physically, as she navigates her personal and professional life under intense pressure.

As she faces the daunting prospect of using her body and charm to secure money for Tabby’s surgery, Marlowe grapples with feelings of guilt and shame.  She struggles with the transactional nature of her interactions, particularly with Brendan, a wealthy CEO.

Despite her discomfort, Marlowe is determined to put her daughter’s well-being above all else.  Her journey is one of survival, self-sacrifice, and emotional complexity, as she finds herself torn between her values and the desperate need to provide for her daughter’s future.

Marlowe’s inner conflict, driven by the tension between survival and self-worth, is central to her character’s evolution.

Brendan

Brendan Sullivan, a wealthy and powerful CEO, is portrayed as a man accustomed to getting what he wants.  Initially, he comes across as emotionally distant, using sex as a means of control and power.

However, as the story progresses, Brendan’s character becomes more multifaceted.  His attraction to Marlowe grows, and he begins to show genuine concern for her and Tabby.

Despite his wealth and status, Brendan offers Marlowe practical and emotional support, making gestures of care that reveal his deeper emotional investment.  His willingness to cancel important business commitments to be there for Marlowe and her daughter highlights his transformation from a billionaire playboy to a devoted partner.

The relationship between Brendan and Marlowe is marked by tension, as Marlowe struggles to accept his generosity, but over time, Brendan’s acts of kindness and understanding demonstrate his true affection.  His willingness to adopt Tabby and his desire to build a future with both Marlowe and Tabby underscore his commitment to becoming a part of their family.

Brendan’s journey is one of emotional growth, moving from a self-centered existence to one focused on love and loyalty.

Athena

Athena, Marlowe’s best friend, plays a pivotal role in Marlowe’s journey.  She is introduced as a supportive yet morally ambiguous character, offering Marlowe a potential solution to her financial troubles: joining Seraph, an exclusive agency that arranges intimate engagements between high-end clients and executive assistants.

Athena is portrayed as pragmatic, aware of the harsh realities of their world, and willing to suggest unconventional methods to secure money.  While her career in the escort business is not something Marlowe is comfortable with, Athena remains an important ally, helping her navigate this difficult decision.

Athena’s character embodies the theme of survival, offering Marlowe a way out of her financial struggles, even if it means compromising personal values.  She serves as both a guide and a reminder of the complexities that women often face when trying to balance personal integrity with survival.

Tabby

Tabby, Marlowe’s young daughter, is the emotional core of the story.  Her congenital heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot, is the reason for the entire narrative’s tension and Marlowe’s actions.

While Tabby’s presence in the story is somewhat passive due to her illness, her impact on the plot is undeniable.  Marlowe’s love for Tabby and her desire to save her life drive all her decisions, even the morally complicated ones.

Throughout the story, Tabby’s health is the catalyst that forces Marlowe to consider extreme measures, including potentially dangerous and uncomfortable compromises.  While Tabby may not be actively involved in the adult decisions surrounding her treatment, her vulnerability and innocence provide the emotional stakes that make Marlowe’s journey compelling.

She represents both the motivation behind Marlowe’s sacrifices and the innocent victim of the dire circumstances they face.

Themes

Love and Sacrifice

The theme of love and sacrifice plays a central role in the narrative of Duplicity, particularly through the character of Marlowe.  As a mother, her overwhelming love for her daughter, Tabby, drives her to take extreme measures in order to secure the necessary funds for her daughter’s life-saving surgery.

Marlowe’s love is not just a passive sentiment but an active force that compels her to consider moral compromises and personal sacrifices she would otherwise reject.  Her decision to potentially enter into a professional relationship with Brendan, a wealthy CEO, represents a stark contrast between the love for her daughter and the discomfort she feels about sacrificing her personal boundaries.

Marlowe’s internal struggle highlights the depth of her love and the lengths she is willing to go for Tabby’s well-being.  The tension between her desires and the choices she makes serves as a poignant reflection of the sacrifices mothers often face when their loved ones are in need.

As the plot unfolds, Marlowe’s willingness to sacrifice her own comfort and values is met with Brendan’s acts of generosity, showing how love manifests in different forms and how it can be both a source of strength and vulnerability.  Brendan’s journey from a distant billionaire to a devoted partner further emphasizes the theme of sacrifice in love.

He learns to give of himself emotionally and practically, offering not just financial support but a genuine commitment to Marlowe and Tabby.  Ultimately, love in this narrative is intertwined with personal growth, where both characters confront their fears, grow emotionally, and redefine what it means to care for another person.

Identity and Self-Image

The theme of identity and self-image is intricately woven throughout Duplicity, as Marlowe undergoes a significant transformation in her personal and professional life.  Initially depicted as a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Marlowe’s sense of self is deeply tied to her role as Tabby’s protector and the emotional burden she carries.

Her identity, however, begins to shift as she is faced with the choice of leveraging her physical appearance to secure funds for her daughter’s surgery.  This internal conflict is magnified when Athena encourages her to embrace a more glamorous, seductive version of herself.

Marlowe’s evolving identity becomes a battleground between the woman she is and the role she feels compelled to play for the sake of survival.  She questions the authenticity of her self-image as she is guided by external forces—Athena’s coaching and Brendan’s expectations.

This theme explores the complexity of self-perception, particularly when survival and sacrifice are at stake.  Marlowe’s discomfort with her transformation represents the struggle many individuals face when forced to change who they are to fit societal or situational demands.

The tension between her internal sense of self and her outward appearance is further complicated by her interactions with Brendan.  The more she plays the role expected of her, the more she loses sight of who she once was.

This exploration of identity reveals the emotional cost of trying to reconcile one’s personal values with the harsh realities of life.

Trust and Vulnerability

Trust and vulnerability are central themes in the evolving relationship between Marlowe and Brendan.  At the start of their dynamic, Marlowe is wary of trusting Brendan, especially given his wealth and previous flirtations.

However, as the narrative progresses, Marlowe begins to see a different side of Brendan—one that is emotionally available, supportive, and deeply invested in her and Tabby’s well-being.  This shift in their relationship challenges Marlowe’s preconceptions about wealth and power.

She starts to confront her own fears of dependence and the vulnerability that comes with opening her heart to someone who can offer her security but also poses a threat to her independence.  The emotional vulnerability Marlowe experiences as she leans on Brendan is both liberating and unsettling.

She’s forced to navigate her emotions, balancing her desire for security with her resistance to feeling powerless.  In Brendan’s case, the theme of trust plays out in his emotional growth.

Initially, he is depicted as a man driven by power and control, using wealth and influence to navigate relationships.  Yet, as his feelings for Marlowe deepen, he begins to reveal his own vulnerabilities, gradually showing that his affection for her is genuine.

The couple’s relationship demonstrates that trust is not only about reliance on another but also about exposing one’s own weaknesses and fears.  This vulnerability ultimately strengthens their bond, as both characters learn that true intimacy is built on mutual trust, allowing them to overcome their emotional barriers.

Morality and Compromise

The theme of morality and compromise is examined through Marlowe’s difficult decisions.  The stakes of the situation she faces—saving her daughter’s life—push her to confront the moral implications of her choices.

Marlowe’s internal moral struggle is amplified by the offer to join Seraph, an exclusive agency that pairs high-end clients with assistants who provide more than just professional services.  She is repelled by the idea of prostituting herself for money, yet the desperation to save her daughter forces her to reconsider.

This moral dilemma highlights the tension between personal values and the pressures of survival.  Marlowe’s acceptance of the situation underscores the complexities of moral compromise.

She is not blind to the cost of her actions but feels trapped by her circumstances.  The theme of compromise extends to her relationship with Brendan, where emotional and physical boundaries are continually tested.

Brendan’s behavior, at times manipulative and transactional, further complicates the moral landscape.  His wealth and power make him a figure who is often able to get what he wants, but as their relationship deepens, Marlowe finds herself grappling with the emotional and ethical ramifications of their connection.

This theme questions the extent to which individuals are willing to compromise their morals in the face of survival, love, and the pursuit of security.  The narrative suggests that there are no easy answers when it comes to balancing what is right with what is necessary for the survival of those we love.

Power and Control

Power and control emerge as significant themes in Duplicity, particularly through the relationship between Marlowe and Brendan.  While Marlowe is initially portrayed as a woman in control of her life despite her struggles, her interactions with Brendan reveal a more complex power dynamic.

Brendan, as a wealthy CEO, initially holds the power in their relationship—he is the one with resources, and his wealth provides him with the ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.  His attraction to Marlowe, while genuine, also comes with expectations that she will meet his needs, which adds a layer of control to their connection.

Marlowe, on the other hand, is positioned as someone who has limited power due to her financial situation, forcing her to consider using her physical appearance and charm to gain what she needs for Tabby’s surgery.  This shift in power dynamics is uncomfortable for Marlowe, who struggles with the sense of losing control over her own life.

As the narrative unfolds, however, the balance of power begins to shift.  Marlowe, through her actions and decisions, gains a sense of agency.

Despite the transactional nature of her relationship with Brendan, she manages to navigate the situation in a way that ensures her daughter’s health while retaining some control over her own autonomy.  Brendan, too, begins to show a softer side, relinquishing some of the power he initially held.

The theme of power and control is not just about external forces but also about how individuals wrestle with their internal perceptions of agency and autonomy in complex relationships.  The story explores how power can be both oppressive and empowering, and how control in relationships is fluid and constantly evolving.