Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
LIII: The Last Will of the Old Squire explained
Kate Vavasor tends to her dying grandfather, the Squire, at Vavasor Hall.
What happens
Kate Vavasor tends to her dying grandfather, the Squire, at Vavasor Hall. The Squire, though frail, remains violent and stubborn, particularly about his port wine. He summons Mr. Gogram to make a new will, which is completed without Kate's knowledge. Kate writes to her brother George and her aunt Mrs. Greenow, torn between duty and fear of harming George's inheritance. The Squire dies that evening, after a day of decline.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Desire
Kate struggles between her duty to her dying grandfather and her desire to protect her brother George's inheritance, torn about whether to summon him.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
The Squire's will and the property at Vavasor Hall are central, highlighting the financial stakes for George and Kate's future.
Betrayal and Forgiveness
The Squire's distrust of George and his threats to disinherit him reflect themes of familial betrayal and the possibility of forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Kate Vavasor
Nurses her grandfather faithfully, manages household, and writes letters to George and Mrs. Greenow about the Squire's condition and new will.
- Squire Vavasor
The old Squire is dying, but remains defiant and violent. He summons Mr. Gogram to make a new will, which is completed, and dies in the evening.
- George Vavasor
Mentioned as the heir and brother; Kate debates whether to summon him, fearing his presence might harm his inheritance.
- Mrs. Greenow
Kate decides to send for her aunt to come to Vavasor Hall, as her presence would not influence the Squire's property decisions.
- Alice Vavasor
Kate receives a long letter from Alice, which she cannot read immediately due to her grandfather's condition.
Key passages
“What the mischief does it signify... what difference will it make whether I am dead or alive, unless it is that George would turn you out of the house directly he gets it.”
The Squire dismisses Kate's concern for his health, suggesting that his death only matters because George would evict her.
Highlights the Squire's bitterness and Kate's precarious position.
“You’ll live to be robbed by him, and turned out as naked as you were born.”
The Squire warns Kate that George will eventually take everything from her.
Foreshadows George's potential betrayal and the Squire's distrust.
“I have no idea what he put into his will. I have not even attempted to guess.”
Kate claims ignorance of the new will's contents, despite witnessing the lawyer's visit.
Shows Kate's attempt to remain neutral and avoid influencing events.