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‘No, that man is not my son . . . But I have one, and you have seen him before too; and, though your nurse is in a hurry, I think both you and she would be the better for a little rest. Will you just turn this nab of heath, and walk into my house? You’ll get him earlier for the ease; and you shall receive a kind welcome.’
In Chapter 21, Heathcliff tells Cathy that Hareton is not his son, and he entices her to visit Wuthering Heights by claiming he has another. Cathy, unaware that he is referring to her cousin Linton, is intrigued.
Mine has nothing valuable about it; yet I shall have the merit of making it go as far as such poor stuff can go.His had first-rate qualities, and they are lost . . . And the best of it is, Hareton is damnably fond of me! You’ll own that I’ve outmatched Hindley there.
In Chapter 21, Heathcliff explains to Nelly Dean the differences between his son and Hindley’s. Whereas Linton has “nothing valuable” about him, Hareton at least had promise that Heathcliff has squandered by raising him poorly. Heathcliff intends to use Linton to achieve his ends; Hareton’s mere existence serves as Heathcliff’s revenge against Hindley.
My master, perceiving that she would not take his word for her uncle-in-law’s evil disposition, gave a hasty sketch of his conduct to Isabella, and the manner in which Wuthering Heights became his property…Miss Cathy—conversant with no bad deeds except her own slight acts of disobedience, . . . was amazed at the blackness of spirit that could brood on and cover revenge for years, and deliberately prosecute its plans without a visitation of remorse.
Further in Chapter 21, Edgar Linton is forced, when confronted with Cathy’s sustained interest in Wuthering Heights and the inhabitants therein, to explain the history between the two houses. Cathy’s shock underscores the extent to which she has been sheltered by Nelly and Edgar, and her fascination mirrors her own mother’s inclination for wildness.
I’ve been to Wuthering Heights, Ellen, and I’ve never missed going a day since you fell ill . . . I was at the Heights by half-past six, and generally stayed till half-past eight, and then galloped home. It was not to amuse myself that I went: I was often wretched all the time.
In Chapter 24, Cathy explains to Nelly that she has been making secret visits to Wuthering Heights, against her father’s wishes. Despite the fact that she is “often wretched” when she is there, she feels compelled to keep going.
‘Why did
he wish to see me? . . . It’s just as if it were a task he was compelled to perform—this interview—for fear his father should scold him. But I’m hardly going to come to give Mr. Heathcliff pleasure; whatever reason he may have for ordering Linton to undergo this penance. And, though I’m glad he’s better in health, I’m sorry he’s so much less pleasant, and so much less affectionate to me.’
This description of Linton’s appearance and behavior during his meeting with Cathy and Nelly in Chapter 26 conveys the idea that the meeting is not Linton’s idea. Heathcliff is steering Linton toward Cathy in an effort to force a union between the two so Heathcliff can take control of Thrushcross Grange through his son.
