Summary
The first chapter introduces the character of Dorothea
Brooke. She and her sister Celia are orphans in the care of their
uncle, Mr. Brooke. Although she is from a wealthy family, Dorothea
prefers to dress plainly. Still, she possesses "that kind of beauty
that seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress." Dorothea longs
to live an ascetic life devoted to some great project for improving
the world. She is forever attempting to persuade her uncle to spend
money to improve the lot of the tenants on his estate.
Mr. Brooke fears that her Puritan energy will hinder her
marriage prospects. However, many men find her bewitching, especially
on horseback. Dorothea does not realize this; she assumes that Sir James
Chettam's frequent visits to Tipton Grange, the Brooke estate, have
nothing to do with her. She believes he wishes to marry Celia.
Celia works up the courage to ask Dorothea to divide their
late mother's jewelry. She fears that Dorothea will think her request
is vain and frivolous. Dorothea takes only an emerald ring and a matching
bracelet for herself and allows Celia to take the rest. Innocently,
Celia asks whether Dorothea will wear the ring and bracelet in company.
The question offends Dorothea.
During a small dinner party at Tipton Grange, Sir James
informs Mr. Brooke and Dorothea of his plans to improve conditions
for the tenants on his estate. Mr. Brooke declares that he spends
far too much on such endeavors. Dorothea disagrees and points out
with sharp wit that Mr. Brooke spends large sums on entertainment
and little on socially responsible projects. Her well-spoken retort catches
the attention of Mr. Casaubon, a middle-aged scholar and clergyman.
Dorothea admires Casaubon for his dignified, intellectual conversation.
Celia knows that Sir James wishes to marry Dorothea and believes
that Casaubon is old, boring, and ugly. For her part, Dorothea thinks
that Sir James is silly.
Casaubon and Dorothea begin to spend more time in conversation.
He admires her because she does not care for the frivolous and trivial
things in life. She admires him for his "great soul." She wants to
become his wife. Sir James attempts to please Dorothea by showing
interest in her "plan for cottages." Dorothea devotes her spare time
to drawing plans for better housing for the tenants on Brooke's estate.
Sir James admits that Brooke is unlikely to spend the money for
the project, but he states that he himself would like to follow
her plans at Freshitt, his own estate. Dorothea is delighted, and
the two of them set to work on putting the plan into action.
Celia informs Dorothea that Sir James wishes to marry
her; Dorothea reacts with utter disbelief and plans to discourage
him. However, Mr. Brooke arrives to tell her that Casaubon has asked
him for her hand in marriage. Dorothea is overjoyed and accepts
the proposal right away. Brooke does not understand why she prefers Casaubon
over Sir James, but he wishes to allow her to make her own choice.
Dorothea informs Celia of her engagement to Casaubon. Celia reacts
with anxiety and sadness at the news.
