Victorians! discussion

In Week 2 the romance theme certainly continues as does that of family relationships but we also see new friendships being built and relationships tested.

While averting possible romances between the young people is still very much on Mr Hamley and Mr Gibson’s minds, and the young people we’ve met so far be it Molly or Roger or even Osborne aren’t giving it too much thought, it is a ‘romance’ to use the word rather loosely between a much older couple that comes to fruition as Mr Gibson proposes to Mrs Kirkpatrick or ‘Clare’ much doted upon by the Towers family though neither too bright, nor it seems too scrupulous though she does at least ensure she isn’t in debt. One wonders whether he’s really thought it out or just based it on impressions since ‘love’ in the traditional sense or even admiration of Mrs Kirkpatrick’s beauty doesn’t seem to come into it, at least initially.

Squire Hamley’s prophetic words having come true, he feels guilty, but that isn’t going to console Molly much. Luckily Mrs Hamley and more so Roger are at hand and give her both guidance and comfort, a strong friendship beginning to develop between Molly and Roger.

Molly is unsurprisingly annoyed with Mr Gibson’s decision and while she might feel guilty later, unafraid of speaking her mind—in Mr Gibson’s case, it almost seems deserved though he really didn’t have marriage in mind when he sent her away. When a visit to Mrs Kirkpatrick is proposed, her speaking out works in her and Mrs Kirkpatrick’s favour. The relationship between the two is trying but Molly at least is resolved to keep things pleasant. Now shifted to the care of the Miss Brownings whose gossipy and somewhat crass side comes to light in many little ways, she also helps in getting the house redecorated in preparation for her new stepmother, the house no longer feeling as it did.

The wedding takes place, almost as Mrs Kirkpatrick wishes it, at Michaelmas and without her daughter Cynthia being present. The Cumnors have given it their blessing and even offered use of the Manor House for the occasion. Here Molly and Mr Gibson make the acquaintance of the rather slimy Mr Preston who seems to have too much of an interest in Cynthia. Luckily, here Molly is befriended by Lady Harriet also impressed by the former’s honesty and straightforwardness, both refreshing and authentic as against others’ obsequiousness.

Meanwhile at the Hamley home, we finally meet Osborne, but not before he has disappointed his parents with a poor performance in the Tripos. When Molly finally meets him, he isn’t quite the Greek hero of her imagination, though she is willing to forgive him much. There is no love at first sight either though so Mr Hamley can rest safe.

Molly
In this week’s instalment, I felt we saw much more of Molly’s character—while she was already someone one took to, her honesty and straightforwardness stood out far more and one can see she is quite perceptive too.

The Wedding and Mrs Kirkpatrick
In contrast to Molly is Mrs Kirkpatrick—beautiful may be but certainly not very scrupulous, happy to have found someone that she can leave off earning her living something she seems to have not been particularly good at. In fact, from her record that one sees, one wonders how she managed so well at the Towers, though the ladies do acknowledge that her mind was often on her romance and one shouldn’t expect much ‘education’ from having her as governess. Not too clever or much clever without really letting on

One also wonders about Mr Gibson’s choice formed based on impression and what he’s heard and not on any conversation with her at all. What happens when he does get to know her, one wonders? Will she manage to keep up the act?

Education
As in the first week, education too comes up as a theme with Molly’s ‘accomplishments’ being asked about by Lady Cumnor, Mrs Kirkpatrick’s lack of knowledge on numerous, shall we say, ‘heavier’ subjects coming up, as also Osborne’s failure to perform well at Cambridge. Molly meanwhile is being offered Mrs Edgeworth’s novels by Lady Harriet and many works on nature by Roger. Formal education and what it should cover; women’s education, and even any education generally are aspects these cause one to ponder on.

Friendships
If romance of a sort developed between an older couple (I kept laughing at this since they’re closer to my age than the young ones), some unexpected friendships develop between the younger ones, Roger and Molly sparked off by sympathy over Molly’s being heartbroken at Mr Gibson’s decision to remarry and shaping up into a strong friendship with Roger passing on his interest in nature.

Another surprising friendship forms between Molly and Lady Harriet, with the latter appreciating the former’s authenticity and taking to her.

Cynthia
Cynthia may not have entered the scene yet, but she’s has also done so in a sense—Mrs Kirkpatrick keen to keep her away for the present—why one wonders, Mr Preston’s much too keen interest and obvious acquaintance and Molly at this stage simply wondering what she might be like.

The Wedding and Mrs Kirkpatrick

This took me completely by surprise. Was anyone else?

I felt there were hints in the first segment, for instance, in Mrs Kirkpatrick being the only one to receive Mr Gibson when he went to thank the Towers family. But everything still felt a little abrupt and rushed. Mr Gibson doesn't really seem to know Mrs K enough to want to propose despite the previous acquaintance and I wondered at there not being even one proper conversation before the actual proposal was made.

I don’t think he does know her. I think she is a pretty woman who has experience as both wife and mother. He doesn’t seem to think that more is necessary.

My reaction to Mrs Kirkpatrick {"Clare"} can be summarized by "Uh-oh!" The connection with the Towers crowd is no recommendation, as they seem to be pretty feckless. It just seems to be that Mrs K is just looking for a meal ticket so she can take it easy.

Elizabeth Gaskell was a great writer. What a powerful, emotive paragraph this was, describing Molly’s utter despair.

’ She was afraid of saying anything, lest the passion of anger, dislike, indignation—whatever it was that was boiling up in her breast—should find vent in cries and screams, or worse, in raging words that could never be forgotten. It was as if the piece of solid ground on which she stood had broken from the shore, and she was drifting out to the infinite sea alone.’

I also liked the descriptions of Roger’s and Molly’s contrasting ideals of a perfect partner.

’ Roger looked to find a grand woman, his equal, and his empress; beautiful in person, serene in wisdom, ready for counsel, as was Egeria. Molly's little wavering maiden fancy dwelt on the unseen Osborne, who was now a troubadour, and now a knight,…’

Molly seemed to show a little wariness around Mr. Preston, (probably because of his unaccustomed forwardness) even before Lady Harriet told her in no uncertain terms to steer clear of him. The author has already told the reader in her description of Mr. Preston that he seems to have all the qualities of a rake.

’ He taught young ladies to play billiards on a wet day, or went in for the game in serious earnest when required. He knew half the private theatrical plays off by heart, and was invaluable in arranging impromptu charades and tableaux. He had his own private reasons for wishing to get up a flirtation with Molly just at this time; he had amused himself so much with the widow when she first came to Ashcombe, that he fancied that the sight of him, standing by her less polished, less handsome, middle-aged husband, might be too much of a contrast to be agreeable.’

Finally, I welcomed Molly’s refreshing lack of deference to both Lady Harriet and Lady Cumnor. It might be partly due to her youth and naivety but honesty and fairness still reigns within her, not forgetting the courage to stand up to the haughty Lady Harriet.

(Having refused Lady Harriet's, offer to visit her at ‘Pecksy’s and Flapsy’s’)
’ "Because I would rather not—because I think that I ought not to have any one coming to see me who laughs at the friends I am staying with, and calls them names." Molly's heart beat very fast, but she meant every word that she said.’

I wonder if Molly would enjoy Maria Edgeworth’s novels?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_E...

One thing in that author’s favour was that after meeting Lord Byron she disliked him.

I believe Clare is big trouble. She clearly is interested in marriage to the doctor only because she sees it as a way to have lifetime financial support, although I suspect she is overestimating the amount of leisure and pampering that will go with her new position. The doctor is not a poor man, but neither will he be able to give her the luxuries she seems to want. She will have servants, but she will also have to work very hard. She declares herself interested in learning and supporting his preferences in everything but then immediately declares she will change his liking for cheese. She fawns over Molly at times but clearly would rather not be saddled with her presence any more than necessary. Also, I'm deeply suspicious of a mother who so obviously does not want her own daughter around and who seems to be jealous of her. Mrs. Gaskell refers to "her superficial and flimsy character," and I fear this is what Dr. Gibson has yet to discover.

Renee wrote: "I don’t think he does know her. I think she is a pretty woman who has experience as both wife and mother. He doesn’t seem to think that more is necessary."

My impression exactly--it seemed too abrupt and not well thought out.

Jim wrote: "My reaction to Mrs Kirkpatrick {"Clare"} can be summarized by "Uh-oh!" The connection with the Towers crowd is no recommendation, as they seem to be pretty feckless. It just seems to be that Mrs K ..."

Very much so; one can't entirely blame her either fo not wanting to have to struggle to earn her living--we are told she's terrible at it--only having been accepted at the Towers but no where else. But this is the least bothersome of her character traits. Her manipulativeness and treatment of Molly in the first segment were far more so.

Trev wrote: "Elizabeth Gaskell was a great writer. What a powerful, emotive paragraph this was, describing Molly’s utter despair.

’ She was afraid of saying anything, lest the passion of anger, dislike, indign..."

I was pleased with Molly's honesty too--as you say her naivety may in part be the reason but I think she isn't the kind who'd turn to pretences at any point later even if she may be inclined to soften her words a little.

Mr Preston is definitely going to be some trouble later. I was glad to see Molly get some inkling of his character as well as a more direct warning from Lady Harriet.

I couldn't help but take note of the contrasting reading materials she was given this week--science/nature oriented books on the one hand and Mrs Edgeworth on the other.

I’ve been thinking about Clare and her situation in life. I suspect that as a widow with a daughter and no money, she probably has few prospects. Marriage to the local doctor is a good match “on paper.” As has been pointed out, she will have maintained a decent standing in the community, will not have to worry about becoming destitute due to the whims of her employers, will have gained security for herself and her daughter. We don’t know much about her previous marriage, but can probably assume that she has experience running their household.

I don’t like her as a mother for Molly, but I understand her desire to marry as well as possible, given her options.

That’s a helpful insight, Rene. Clare is certainly not evil, just a woman trying to survive in a difficult world. My biggest concern is that she will not be a good stepmother to Molly or a good wife to Dr. G. because she is so superficial; however, her flaws certainly give room for improvement, and perhaps that is where Mrs. Gaskell is headed.

Renee wrote: "I’ve been thinking about Clare and her situation in life. I suspect that as a widow with a daughter and no money, she probably has few prospects. Marriage to the local doctor is a good match “on pa..."

That's true Renee. And one can't hold against her for her reasons. But the manipulativeness and her shifting of blame on to Molly at the start are what make one worry.

True! Let’s hope Dr. Dad will step up and not just leave everything to the new mother.