Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
Mr. Cheesacre's Fate explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Greenow, on the verge of marrying Captain Bellfield, skillfully orchestrates a match between Mr. Cheesacre and Charlie Fairstairs. Alice arrives at Vavasor Hall to find Charlie visiting, and Mrs. Greenow uses her influence to make Cheesacre jealous and susceptible. After a tense day where Cheesacre feels neglected, Mrs. Greenow coaches Charlie on how to secure his proposal, emphasizing a blend of worldliness and sentiment.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Explored through Mrs. Greenow's pragmatic orchestration of Cheesacre's match with Charlie, contrasting romantic ideals with practical considerations.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Charlie's lack of money is a key obstacle, and Mrs. Greenow advises her to prioritize Cheesacre's wealth, reflecting the financial realities of marriage.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Greenow
Orchestrates the match between Mr. Cheesacre and Charlie Fairstairs, while preparing for her own marriage to Captain Bellfield.
- Mr. Cheesacre
Target of Mrs. Greenow's matchmaking; feels neglected and offended by Alice's presence, but is gradually being manipulated toward Charlie.
- Charlie Fairstairs
A poor girl being coached by Mrs. Greenow to win Mr. Cheesacre's hand, despite his previous contempt for her.
- Captain Bellfield
About to marry Mrs. Greenow; lives with Cheesacre and tries to smooth over Cheesacre's grievances.
- Alice Vavasor
Visits Vavasor Hall and observes the matchmaking; her presence inadvertently irritates Cheesacre.
- Kate Vavasor
Acts as a bridesmaid and confides in Alice about Mrs. Greenow's plans for Cheesacre.
Key passages
“It must be acknowledged that Mrs. Greenow was a woman of great resources, and that she would be very prudent for others, though I fear the verdict of those who know her must go against her in regard to prudence in herself.”
Mrs. Greenow was clever and careful when managing other people's affairs, even if she herself sometimes acted recklessly.
Highlights Mrs. Greenow's strategic skill in matchmaking despite her own impulsive marriage.
“I always think that worldliness and sentimentality are like brandy-and-water. I don't like either of them separately, but taken together they make a very nice drink.”
Mrs. Greenow believes that a mix of practical self-interest and genuine affection is the ideal basis for a marriage.
Summarizes her pragmatic philosophy on love and marriage.