Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
LXV: The First Kiss explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Cheesacre arrives at Vavasor Hall, hoping to win Mrs. Greenow, but she firmly rejects him, steering him instead toward Charlie Fairstairs. After Cheesacre departs, Captain Bellfield and Mrs. Greenow share their first kiss, interrupted by Cheesacre's return. He accuses Bellfield of being wanted by the police, but the charge is reduced to a sheriff's officer matter. The chapter concludes with Mrs. Greenow and Bellfield finalizing their wedding plans, including a life in Westmoreland with occasional trips to Yarmouth and London.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on Mrs. Greenow's pragmatic choice of Captain Bellfield over Mr. Cheesacre, and the negotiation of their future life together.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Mrs. Greenow's inherited property influences Cheesacre's pursuit and Bellfield's acceptance of a modest life; the widow controls the purse strings.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Greenow
Rejects Mr. Cheesacre's advances, manages the situation with Captain Bellfield, and finalizes wedding plans.
- Captain Bellfield
Receives the first kiss from Mrs. Greenow, is accused by Cheesacre of being wanted by the police, and agrees to marry and live in Westmoreland.
- Mr. Cheesacre
Arrives at Vavasor Hall hoping to marry Mrs. Greenow, is rejected, and accuses Captain Bellfield of being wanted by the police.
- Alice Vavasor
Present at the scene, expresses disappointment at not meeting Mr. Cheesacre.
- Kate Vavasor
Expresses relief at Cheesacre's departure and agrees to be the bridesmaid at Mrs. Greenow's wedding.
- Charlie Fairstairs
Mentioned as a potential match for Mr. Cheesacre by Mrs. Greenow.
Key passages
“Hush! there's a carriage coming on the road—close to us.”
Mrs. Greenow warns Captain Bellfield to stop their intimate moment because a carriage is approaching.
This interruption leads to the comic return of Mr. Cheesacre.
“He's wanted by the police, Mrs. Greenow.”
Mr. Cheesacre accuses Captain Bellfield of being pursued by law enforcement.
The accusation is later clarified as a sheriff's officer matter, which Mrs. Greenow dismisses as manageable.
“I think of taking this house, and of living here.”
Mrs. Greenow decides to reside at Vavasor Hall after her marriage.
This decision shapes the couple's future, with Bellfield reluctantly agreeing.