# Tribute from Oileymead explained — Can You Forgive Her?

> Chapter companion for Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Kate Vavasor stays with her aunt Mrs. Greenow in Norwich, where Mr. Cheesacre sends lavish gifts of food from his farm, Oileymead, ostensibly for both women but clearly aimed at the widow. Kate resists being used as a pretext for Cheesacre's attentions, while Mrs. Greenow manipulates the situation, and Captain Bellfield secretly visits despite Cheesacre's attempts to keep him away.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Financial Dependence

Mr. Cheesacre's gifts highlight his wealth and his expectation that financial generosity will win Mrs. Greenow's favor.

### Female Autonomy and Identity

Kate resists being used as a pawn in her aunt's romantic schemes, asserting her own will against Mrs. Greenow's manipulations.

## Character check-ins

### Kate Vavasor

Stays with Mrs. Greenow in Norwich, resists being used as a decoy for Mr. Cheesacre's courtship of her aunt.

### Mrs. Greenow

Hosts Kate in Norwich, receives gifts from Mr. Cheesacre, and manipulates the situation to encourage his attentions.

### Mr. Cheesacre

Sends regular tributes of food from Oileymead to Mrs. Greenow, courts her while pretending interest in Kate.

### Captain Bellfield

Secretly visits Mrs. Greenow despite Cheesacre's attempts to keep him away; has obtained military employment in Norwich.

### Jeannette

Mrs. Greenow's maid, acts as a confidante to Mr. Cheesacre and reports on the Captain's visits.

## Key lines

> Only think, that it is barely nine months since he was with me? Six, you mean, aunt, said Kate, unadvisedly. Only nine months! repeated Mrs. Greenow, as though she had not heard her niece.

Mrs. Greenow exaggerates the time since her husband's death, claiming nine months instead of six, and ignores Kate's correction.

_Shows Mrs. Greenow's self-deception about her mourning period._

> What am I to do about it? said Mrs. Greenow, as Kate came into the sitting-room one morning, and saw on the table a small hamper lined with a clean cloth. It's as much as Jeannette has been able to carry.

Mrs. Greenow feigns helplessness over the large hamper of food Mr. Cheesacre has sent, though she clearly enjoys the attention.

_Illustrates the playful dynamic between aunt and niece regarding Cheesacre's courtship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xix-tribute-from-oileymead
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters