Summary
Casaubon looks forward to the end of the courtship, as
he is eager to return his energies to his great work, the Key to
all Mythologies. Dorothea offers to learn Latin and Greek in order
to help him with his project. Casaubon, pleased with her submissive
affection, consents to teach her. Mr. Brooke tells him that such
"deep studies" are "too taxing for a woman." He states that music
is a more suitable activity. Dorothea responds that Casaubon is
not fond of the piano.
Sir James believes that Brooke should not have allowed
Dorothea to become engaged to such an old, dry man as Casaubon.
He appeals to Mr. Cadwallader to speak to Brooke about putting a
stop to the marriage. Cadwallader states that Casaubon is an honorable man
because he financially supports his poor relations. Nevertheless,
Sir James feels that the difference in age between bride and groom
is enough justification for postponing the marriage. However, he
finds that his relationship with Dorothea is easier because he no
longer has any "passion to hide or confess."
The Brookes visit Lowick manor, Casaubon's residence.
Dorothea notices the miniature portraits of Casaubon's mother and
her older sister. Casaubon confirms her assertion that there is
little resemblance between the sisters. He states that the elder
sister made an unfortunate marriage. During the tour of the grounds,
they notice a young man drawing sketches. Casaubon informs them
that he is Will Ladislaw, his second cousin and grandson of his
ill-fated aunt. Brooke and Celia admire his sketches, but Dorothea
says that she is not educated enough to judge them. Will thinks
she means to criticize or insult him. They bid good-bye to Will,
and Casaubon tells them that he fears that Will has no ambition.
He has agreed to pay the expenses of a trip abroad for Will, however,
to give him time to settle on a profession.
Casaubon wonders why he does not grow happier as the day
of the marriage approaches. He expresses regret that Celia will
not accompany them on their wedding trip. He fears that Dorothea
will be lonely when he has to work on his project. Dorothea replies haughtily
that he should not mention it again, because she will take care
of herself. She immediately regrets her short temper.
At the engagement party, Dorothea meets Lydgate, the new, young
surgeon. Lydgate thinks she is a fine girl, but too earnest. She wants
too many reasons for everything. He prefers the company of Rosamond
Vincy, the daughter of the mayor. She is beautiful and looks at
things from "the proper feminine angle." Rosamond becomes interested
in Lydgate. She prefers to marry a man who is not from Middlemarch,
and she believes Lydgate has important, aristocratic relatives.
Rosamond and her brother, Fred, decide to go visit their
elderly uncle, Peter Featherstone. Featherstone's second wife, Mrs.
Vincy's sister, died with no children. She hopes that her own children,
especially Fred, will inherit Featherstone's wealth. Featherstone
accuses Fred of borrowing money for gambling debts, using his possible inheritance
of Featherstone's wealth as security. He names Mr. Bulstrode, Fred's
uncle, as the man who could prove or disprove the rumor. Bulstrode,
a wealthy banker, would know everything about the borrowing or lending
of money. Featherstone demands that Fred secure a letter from Bulstrode
confirming or denying the rumor.
