Victorians! discussion

And so we begin! Middlemarch, published between 1871 and 1872 is set about four decades before this period around the period preceding the Reform Bill of 1832. George Eliot apparently began the stories we follow as two separate works—one Middlemarch which followed an idealistic doctor, and a separate work Miss Brooke and only in 1871 did she decide to combine the two into one story.

In the prelude we get a good picture of what our central character (or one of them at any rate) is to be like—“a Saint Theresa, foundress of nothing, whose loving heart-beats and sobs after an unattained goodness tremble off and are dispersed among hindrances, instead of centering in some long recognizable deed”. And indeed our “heroine” (or one at least of them) Dorothea Brooke is just that—an idealistic young woman in search of a “higher” purpose in life, one who seeks to be useful in some way, but yet doesn’t seem entirely clear what that purpose really is. Her pet project at the moment is improving the tenants’ buildings and making up plans for them—but her sister Celia thinks it no more than a fad and her uncle Mr Brooke has no great opinion of women’s skills or minds beyond the usual stereotypes. But Dorothea also perhaps lives in the world of her dreams (of such higher purposes) not really seeing what’s in front of her—like Sir James’ intentions. But the clergyman–scholar Mr Casaubon piques her interest, because of his scholarship but perhaps also because of the fact that he seems to value her opinions or rather the fact that she has opinions which no one else around her seems to do—can we really fault her for thinking him the ideal husband? But poor Dorothea, she doesn’t know that Mr Casaubon seems not to be as happy with the prospect of marriage even before the event. And then there are her dreams, her expectations of being part of something great, of contributing to society somehow even if merely by helping Mr Casaubon in his great works, but will they be realised?

Another character we meet a few chapters later, Rosamond Vincy, from a very different social stratum, and also a very different person, beautiful in her own right but not austere or given to good works but rather as perhaps ‘ordinary’ mortals are, lost in dreams of her own future—chiefly marriage and society (moving upwards and beyond the manufacturing/innkeeping background she comes from), a very different end than Dorothea. But while so different, she is also very similar to Dorothea because on hearing of and briefly meeting Mr Lydgate, she has begun to wave pictures of a perfect life without much heed to practical considerations. She too is lost in her dreams too much to perhaps look at what is real.

Our other two young ladies, Dorothea’s sister Celia, and Rosamond’s cousin Mary Garth are far more practical, and in some senses “wiser” perhaps in their approach to life. Mary has taken the least unattractive of the choices available to her—looking after her not-so-pleasant Uncle Mr Featherstone, and having no misconceptions about her own “beauty”. Celia may not have “high” ideals like her sister but seems much better to be able to see what is before her than Dorothea and in her way Rosamond, lost in their dreams.

In their stories we are faced with issues of idealism and practicality, and indeed of the “proper” role of women (if there is any such)—Dorothea representing perhaps a more radical line of thought in some ways, while
Celia and Rosamond, the more stereotypical, the more accepted roles.

Then we have the men, young and not-so-young, Mr Brooke good at heart, but with stereotypical/conservative views on women, yet at the same time not interfering with Dorothea’s decision on her life-partner, think what he may of it.

Then we have the middle-aged scholar Mr Casaubon (with looks like Locke) who has suddenly decided to enter into matrimony. Dorothea’s opinions and views may have caught his attention but he doesn’t seem to have much notion of what he expects from his marriage. His great work is his sole, and even now primary focus.

Two of our other young men on the other hand seem without much sense of purpose, Fred Vincy, good-natured but applying himself to nothing, instead living on the strength of his expectations (which many are out to deprive him of). And there is Will Ladislaw, Mr Casaubon’s cousin, who we haven’t met yet, but who also seems to have no purpose travelling the continent and living on what Mr Casaubon will allow him. A contrast from Dorothea and Rosamond certainly who (despite the absence of a certain picture in Dorothea’s case) seem to have some object they wish to achieve.

Sir James once again is good-hearted, and as a man of property and title, there isn’t much need for him to find an occupation. While he may not be too bright, he isn’t averse to trying new methods and improving his lands, even independently of his interest in Dorothea (his studies of Humphry Davy, and such). But we have Mr Brooke trying to dissuade him as well. Now that he realizes Dorothea is not interested, he is turning his attentions to Celia who would certainly be a more sensible choice.

Dr Lydgate is the new doctor in town with new methods and views, of good family but not means, accepted by quite a few. We know he is just building his practice but Rosamond has caught his eye, but really we haven’t seen enough of him to really “know” him at this point.

Mr Lydgate’s views on medicine and new methods and Sir James wanting to introduce innovations throw up the question of new versus old—is traditional wisdom or practice enough or does innovation really help. Of course, this question isn’t so strong in the book at this point.

Relationships, idealism/realism, and women’s roles may be some issues that stood out in this segment, but politics is another theme that had been touched on and is sure to get stronger as we move on---after all, the Reform Bill is one of the book’s central themes.

So what did we think about our first introduction to the characters (we have “met” more or less most of our principal players) and their stories?

I'm impressed by the humour and irony in her writing which O don't remember from when I first read it about 10 years ago. And I like Celia's more practical frame of mind - and a very realistic competitiveness between the two sister which is paralleled in some way the realism in the relationship between brother and sister Fred and Rosamund.
Also a theme winding its way strongly through all the characters is what roles and skills, abilities etc are designated to each sex - clearly one of Eliot's dominant questions as to how society expects individuals to conform to gender expectations, and so far how our females seem mostly to be uninhibited.
Will Ladislow is Dorothea's male counterpart - he is similar to her in looking for a role in life, something inspiring - and is free to travel Europe in search of recognizing his true calling.
I'm enjoying the full breadth, scope and variety of her v large cast - and interested to see how they will spark against each other.

Laura wrote: "I'm impressed by the humour and irony in her writing which O don't remember from when I first read it about 10 years ago. And I like Celia's more practical frame of mind - and a very realistic comp..."

Good to know that you are enjoying it. I too like Celia for her practical frame of mind- yet Dorothea, for all her 'higher' aspirations is more like a typical idealistic teen (which she kind of is, at nineteen) than Celia or the more cynical Mary Garth, don't you think?

Of Will, yes perhaps, at the moment we haven't really 'met' him so I feel at this point one can't really try to understand him or what he is really seeking.

Nearly all the women - so far - are determined, independent, Mrs Cadwallader, even Celia, Rosamund is ambitious - there are no shrinking violets so far, which surprises me a little given that "feminism" and the rights of women are on the agenda.
Some of the politics I find difficult - I just don't remember what the Whigs stood for in Parliament nor the English system of electoralship. There are clearly County seats - open traditionally to the Gentry. It seems that the old system is being challenged with Mr Vincy - manufacturer - considering his chances - also he is current Mayor.
Also the Reform bill meant what exactly? Agricultural? Electoral process? The 1830s I'm guessing is a significant c
period of charge - with the rise of wealth based on manufacture, export? and a new rising social class as exemplified by the Vincys. Casaubon, Mr Brooke, James Chettam Baronet, even the clerical Cadwalladers representing the old system based on land ownership, and inheritance of position, and money.
Lydgate - interesting Inbetweener - professional, educated man of ideas, but dependent on earning his income.
Do you have knowledge of the Reform, and social changes in this time period?

Mostly changes related to franchise from what I can understand:

Franchise was still based on property but it broadened the property qualifications to include even small landowners, and tenant farmers--any householder who paid a rent of over 10 pounds could vote but it formally excluded women from voting. This increase in the number of voters was opposed by the Tories.

Here's some background: https://spartacus-educational.com/PR1...

Hi, thank you for the Spartacus-educational notes - I read everything - they're v straightforward and informative.
It's important background - and throws some light on why Eliot chose this specific time period early 1830s. The information about the rotten boroughs especially allows us to see the massive population changes occurring through 1800 - 50 and up. Rural depopulation and rise of the manufacturing cities such as Manchester, Birmingham etc.
Middlemarch - represents the older classes - more strongly I think, but Eliot is curious to see the social changes occurring at a relationship level - she brings her examination to microscope level. With a strong bias emphasis on the 'uses' of education. The gentry had resources - how are these resources to be used for the benefits of all? Dorothea's interest in workers cottages, Lydgate's new hospital. Bulstrode is very odd - an Evangelical business man - only prepared to allow Lydgate's influence so long as he - acknowledges the hospital's spiritual/clerical role?
Having the Reform Bill 1832 act information allows us readers a much more seated - view of Eliot's dynamics - very interesting. And Casaubon - surely he is a withered caricature of "wasted resources" - knowledge for what gain/purpose? Inherited privilege - the weaknesses in this system?

Laura wrote: "Hi, thank you for the Spartacus-educational notes - I read everything - they're v straightforward and informative.
It's important background - and throws some light on why Eliot chose this specifi..."

Yes-it's very simply explained.

Besides Dorothea and Lydgate's projects, Sir James too is keen to apply what he learns from Agricultural Chemistry to improve the land.

Interesting perspective in Casaubon- perhaps yes, he is supposed to represent that--I don't know if in his one can even see it as knowledge for knowledge sake or simply for his own glory/fame- as you say, a weakness in the system.

And how do e interpret our two purposeless young men--Will Ladislaw (who we haven't really seen) and Fred Vincy who clearly doesn't want to apply himself to anything.

I already read Middlemarch some time ago. But when I saw that it would be the Victorians' reading, I wanted to reread it with you. Unfortunately, as I say in my post blog, I'm changing my life and the time spent reading is getting shorter right now.
I'm still going to try to catch up! First of all, a perfect introduction, Lady Clementina!

I admire George Eliot again, from the very first lines, when she describes Dorothée :
"… her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible,—or from one of our elder poets,—in a paragraph of to-day's newspaper."

And in one sentence that looks very simple but yet is so well found, we were able to know Mr. Brooke's character:
"Mr. Brooke's conclusions were as difficult to predict as the weather"

It is for such sentences, I remember, that I liked Middlemarch:
"This elevating thought lifted her above her annoyance at being twitted with her ignorance of political economy, that never-explained science which was thrust as an extinguisher over all her lights."
It's just perfect!

As for Casaubon, I feel just as sorry for him as I did at my first reading! And it is difficult for me to appreciate this character because in France Casaubon is a brand of plain yoghurts. So the combination of the two is not in favour of the character!

Laura wrote: "I'm impressed by the humour and irony in her writing ..."
So am I!
And I agree with all your commment, Laura.

Laura wrote: "Rural depopulation and rise of the manufacturing cities such as Manchester, Birmingham etc.
Middlemarch - represents the older classes - more strongly I think, but Eliot is curious to see the social changes occurring at a relationship level - she brings her examination to microscope level. With a strong bias emphasis on the 'uses' of education. The gentry had resources ..."
I just read North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. The English society of that time, although it was in 1850, I believe, 20 years later, is very intelligently described: academics, landowners, industrialists, the city and the countryside. So many different ways of living and conceiving the life and future of the same country. So much misunderstanding. Everyone prefers to stay safe in their own box.

Gabrielle wrote: "I already read Middlemarch some time ago. But when I saw that it would be the Victorians' reading, I wanted to reread it with you. Unfortunately, as I say in my post blog, I'm changing my life and ..."

Thanks Gabrielle.

You're right about her descriptions of these characters. I enjoyed Mr Brooke ("Mr. Brooke's conclusions were as difficult to predict as the weather") in particular too. It will be interesting to see what happens when/if he does choose to contest the elections.

Gabrielle wrote: "Laura wrote: "Rural depopulation and rise of the manufacturing cities such as Manchester, Birmingham etc.
Middlemarch - represents the older classes - more strongly I think, but Eliot is curious to..."

North and South is one of my favourites -- I love how at both the personal and social level she stresses on the need to simply communicate, and to understand the other.

In chapter 3, Dorothée's blindness towards the two men: Casaubon and Chettam, seems to me to be more due to her claim to want to be above the women of her time, poorly educated and concerned about trivia, than to a happy desire for education and love.

In chapter 4, there is this quote :
"I know that I must expect trials, uncle. Marriage is a state of higher duties. I never thought of it as mere personal ease," said poor Dorothea.
This adjective poor, placed there, is very revealing of George Eliot's thought: the author condemns what young girls are teached to accept: that marriage is not only a duty, but a duty from which women must not claim to derive any personal pleasure! That's what Dorothy thinks and that's why Eliot writes "poor Dorothy."

Chapter 5 :
Ah, ah! I remember the letter from Casaubon to Dorothy. I especially remember my reaction to my first reading of Middlemarch; I had the same reaction as today:
What? What's this letter? Personally, it provokes in me a feeling of pity, of vague disgust in front of this old man who is not unhappy to feel himself appreciated by a young girl!
I love books. Especially the old, very old books. But to marry Casaubon? It would be like sleeping in the pages of a very old and very dusty and very boring book at the end of its life; a husband who would crumble in my fresh and white sheets and would turn to dust! :D

But poor, poor Dorothy, she believes so ardently and so sincerely that she will find the endless source of food for her brilliant mind, and so little exploited until then.

How to criticize the education so unserious and often ridiculous that young girls received, in a single sentence as light and thoughtful as a Beethoven’s note?
Answer :
"After dinner, when Celia was playing an "air, with variations," a small kind of tinkling which symbolized the aesthetic part of the young ladies' education,..."
George Eliot, you are a great master!

Gabrielle wrote: "In chapter 3, Dorothée's blindness towards the two men: Casaubon and Chettam, seems to me to be more due to her claim to want to be above the women of her time, poorly educated and concerned about ..."

Yes- she lives in her own world-trying to achieve her ideals of doing something useful, and as a result not really seeing what's in front of her- which Celia can see. She is idealistic and has good intentions but little practical sense.

Having read all the comments here, I too agree with what was said of Dorothea. She is idealistic and crave to be ahead of her time. Although she is ready to step forward, society is not. And this is what she sees to overcome by her marriage to Casaubon. Dorothea is naive and misunderstood. Her piety and religious ardor is wrongly understood to be signs of cleverness. She is goodhearted and mean well of course. But she is ignorant with the ways of life and impractical.

To say honestly, I was at first annoyed with her character, but then I realized that Eliot has to make her who she is at this present stage. She is a character I sure feel to be developed with the course of the story.

I like Celia for her frank, practical nature. She is sure to find happiness and be content in her own fashion. It looks as if the disappointed Sir James has eyes on her now, but all this is for the future to decide.

However I have a bad presentiment about Casaubon. I just feel he is not what he pretends to be. I really fear for Dorothea.

Overall, I'm enjoying the lives of these Middlemarchers. They seem to be an interesting and diverse lot!

Piyangie wrote: "Having read all the comments here, I too agree with what was said of Dorothea. She is idealistic and crave to be ahead of her time. Although she is ready to step forward, society is not. And this i..."

I guess one could call her 'intelligent' in terms of learning (since she is keen to, and to an extent able to do that) but not in practical/rel-life terms or in terms of really understanding people--here she is naive, and probably in for more than one disappointment.

Piyangie wrote: "I just feel he is not what he pretends to be. ..."

Agreed on Celia... as to Casaubon, I think he isn't pretending to the extent that he believes in what he is or thinks he is, and acts accordingly but there will be a gap between what he thinks and projects and what is.

Piyangie wrote: "Overall, I'm enjoying the lives of these Middlemarchers. They seem to be an interesting and diverse lot!"

Glad you're enjoying the book.

Great to read all your comments on Dorothea and how she chooses Casaubon. This is a tragedy and makes the story more and more dramatic. He himself has done nothing wrong.

Charlotte wrote: "Great to read all your comments on Dorothea and how she chooses Casaubon. This is a tragedy and makes the story more and more dramatic. He himself has done nothing wrong."

True--he is who he is--it is how others, here Dorothea read him or interpret him that leads to the tragedy.

I don't know if I agree that Casuabon has 'done nothing wrong'. He clearly has spent many years not finding a woman that piques his interest. He finally does.find one, but he wants her to fit into some preconceived notion of what a wife should be. He thinks he wants her to be unique and interesting, but only as long as she fits his very specific and uncommunicated ideas.

Patricia A. Will wrote: "I don't know if I agree that Casuabon has 'done nothing wrong'. He clearly has spent many years not finding a woman that piques his interest. He finally does.find one, but he wants her to fit into ..."

But then Dorothea too is looking for someone who fits her preconceived notions, or a frame that she has in mind.

Lady Clementina wrote: "Gabrielle wrote: "In chapter 3, Dorothée's blindness towards the two men: Casaubon and Chettam, seems to me to be more due to her claim to want to be above the women of her time, poorly educated an..."

Absolutely.

Piyangie wrote: "Having read all the comments here, I too agree with what was said of Dorothea. She is idealistic and crave to be ahead of her time. Although she is ready to step forward, society is not. And this i..."

Yes.
In chapter 4, there is this quote :
"I know that I must expect trials, uncle. Marriage is a state of higher duties. I never thought of it as mere personal ease," said poor Dorothea.
This adjective poor, placed there, is very revealing of George Eliot's thought: the author condemns what young girls are teached to accept: that marriage is not only a duty, but a duty from which women must not claim to derive any personal pleasure! That's what Dorothy thinks and that's why Eliot writes "poor Dorothy."

Charlotte wrote: "Great to read all your comments on Dorothea and how she chooses Casaubon. This is a tragedy and makes the story more and more dramatic. He himself has done nothing wrong."

By the way, Charlotte, in chapter 5,
Ah, ah ! I remember the letter from Casaubon to Dorothy. I especially remember my reaction to my first reading of Middlemarch; I had the same reaction as today:
What? What's this letter? Personally, it provokes in me a feeling of pity, of vague disgust in front of this old man who is not unhappy to feel himself appreciated by a young girl. I hesitate between laughing and crying! :)

I love books. Especially the old, very old books. But to marry Casaubon? It would be like sleeping in the pages of a very old and very dusty and very boring book at the end of its life; a husband who would crumble in my fresh and white sheets and would turn to dust!

Lady Clementina wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "Casaubon ... himself has done nothing wrong."

True--he is who he is--it is how others, here Dorothea read him or interpret him that leads to the tragedy...."

True.

Patricia A. Will wrote: "I don't know if I agree that Casuabon has 'done nothing wrong'. He clearly has spent many years not finding a woman that piques his interest. He finally does.find one, but he wants her to fit into ..."

Not wrong!

What we could blame Casaubon for is being so blind to himself. But in the end, he has only the pretensions of the men of his time: he believes that a beautiful, gentle, intelligent and submissive woman is what every man deserves!

What did he retain from all his readings and studies, this Casaubon, if he can, seeing himself loved by Dorothy, believe he is the chosen one to such an extent that he is "convinced that heaven had granted him a grace that met his special needs in every respect." ! Human pretense... or male pretense?

Lady Clementina wrote: "But then Dorothea too is looking for someone who fits her preconceived notions, or a frame that she has in mind."

Yes.

About Casaubon:
Oh, how delightful is the following passage!
"I protest against any absolute conclusion, any prejudice derived from Mrs. Cadwallader's contempt for a neighboring clergyman's alleged greatness of soul, or Sir James Chettam's poor opinion of his rival's legs,—from Mr. Brooke's failure to elicit a companion's ideas, or from Celia's criticism of a middle-aged scholar's personal appearance."
Eliot asks us not to be prejudiced against Casaubon before getting to know him better, while subtly listing all his negative points. But without committing herself, since these are the opinions of others! Here is a very dry witty English humour that I love!

Mr. Lydgate understood Dorothée Brooke quite well in only one evening:
"She is a good creature—that fine girl—but a little too earnest," he thought. "It is troublesome to talk to such women. They are always wanting reasons, yet they are too ignorant to understand the merits of any question, and usually fall back on their moral sense to settle things after their own taste."
Perhaps, the only thing he needs to really understand why Dorothy is as she is, it's maybe this:
1 If she always wants reasons for everything, it is because her intelligence has not been nourished enough by the poor education she received,
2 her ignorance is not her fault,
3 and her moral sense that eventually regulates everything is ultimately the only one that has been nourished by education, the only possible reference and the only source of knowledge.

Sorry, I comment while reading. If I comment too much, just tell me.
I just wanted to add:
I read Middlemarch in a translated 1890 edition . And can you believe it ? In the French text all this part is missing:
"The attitudes of receptivity are various, and Will had sincerely tried many of them. He was not excessively fond of wine, but he had several times taken too much, simply as an experiment in that form of ecstasy; he had fasted till he was faint, and then supped on lobster; he had made himself ill with doses of opium. Nothing greatly original had resulted from these measures; and the effects of the opium had convinced him that there was an entire dissimilarity between his constitution and De Quincey's. The superadded circumstance which would evolve the genius had not yet come; the universe had not yet beckoned. Even Caesar's fortune at one time was but a grand presentiment. We know what a masquerade all development is, and what effective shapes may be disguised in helpless embryos."
I guess that the publisher of that time wanted to spare the supposed female sensibilities of the readers of his time!

Yes this is a good sum up of Dorothea's character - brains deprived of nourishment.
She is floundering - knows there are goals to strive for and achieve but limited in awareness of where to apply her energy and vehemence - and yes fascinated with Religion because it has been the only complex knowledge requiring thought/analysis that she has any knowledge of.
I've noted several times in s variety of ways that Education is one of Eliot's main themes.

That Will part is in my addition.

Laura wrote: "I've noted several times in s variety of ways that Education is one of Eliot's main themes.."

I consider Eliot, as any author who thinks that women are and should be equal to men, to be a feminist.
And education is a recurring theme among feminists, because it is the key to independence of mind and financial autonomy.

Gabrielle wrote: "Sorry, I comment while reading. If I comment too much, just tell me.
I just wanted to add:
I read Middlemarch in a translated 1890 edition . And can you believe it ? In the French text all this par..."

No no, please feel free to comment as much as you like. That's what this forum is for.

Gabrielle wrote: "young girls are teached to accept: that marriage is not only a duty, but a duty from which women must not claim to derive any personal pleasure!..."

Partly as- social expectations were one part of it, but I think Dorothea herself has this idea of getting married only as an instrument of further her idealistic notions--like Rosamond does with the idea of bettering herself socially. He misconceived ideas may be also play a part in her attempts to convince herself not to be disappointed.

Laura wrote: "Yes this is a good sum up of Dorothea's character - brains deprived of nourishment.
She is floundering - knows there are goals to strive for and achieve but limited in awareness of where to apply h..."

Education is certainly central-there is that discussion also of the kind of subject matter that is 'proper' for women to study vis-a-vis men-I'm sorry I can't recall whether it was in this segment or the next one.

As you said, she has an idea of achieving or contributing to something more than the ordinary, but no clear idea of what that could should be.

At the end of Book 1, if I'm not mistaken:
The young doctor Lydgate, a hard-worker with fresh ideas, would not be against marrying Rosemonde, the prettiest and most graceful and kind young girl in the area, and vice-versa.
Dorothée Brooke, young, beautiful, intelligent, good, will marry the decrepit scholar Casaubon.
James Chettam, after having wanted to marry Dorothée, seems to be turning to her sister Celia Brooke who seems to be in love with no one for the moment.
Mary Garth appreciates Fred because he cares a little about her happiness, but wouldn't marry him if he would ask. Fred thinks she's the best girl he knows.
As for Will Ladislow, will he come back, why or for whom?
But in the end, who will marry who? Suspense!

Gabrielle wrote: "Sorry, I comment while reading. If I comment too much, just tell me.
ar..."

I love that you are so “talkative”, Gabrielle. It is very entertaining!

Charlotte wrote: "I love that you are so “talkative”, Gabrielle. It is very entertaining!"


But I'm entertaining, Charlotte! Well, last night, I was at the restaurant with some friends. The room was full, about 60 customers. I would trot towards my table to entertain my friends.
Now imagine Sylvester when he takes a sharp turn chasing Tweety, and skates on the spot before spreading out on the ground like a pancake. See? Well, that's what I did! I fell down and slipped under the buffet table, everything shook on it, and I thought: Oh! let's hope the pile of plates doesn't fall on me! But I was in so much pain and laughed so much that I couldn't get up!
There hasn't been one single person who hasn't seen me fall miserably. I know this, because until the end of the evening, each costumer came to me to ask me if I was all right. Which is really very sweet... and very embarrassing. If you want a show, invite me to dinner!
PS: I'm still alive, because ridicule doesn't kill! My arm and hip are blue-violet-yellowish-black, but other than that, I'm fine!

Hahaha, LOL 😂 :) :) :)

At the end of Book 1, if I'm not mistaken:
The young doctor Lydgate, a hard-worker with fresh ideas, would not be against marrying Rosemonde, the prettiest and most graceful and kind young girl in the area, and vice-versa.
Dorothée Brooke, young, beautiful, intelligent, good, will marry the decrepit scholar Casaubon.
James Chettam, after having wanted to marry Dorothée, seems to be turning to her sister Celia Brooke who seems to be in love with no one for the moment.
Mary Garth appreciates Fred because he cares a little about her happiness, but wouldn't marry him if he would ask. Fred thinks she's the best girl he knows.
As for Will Ladislow, will he come back, why or for whom?
But in the end, who will marry who? Suspense!