Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
Mr. Cheesacre's Disappointment explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Greenow reflects on her romantic options between Mr. Cheesacre and Captain Bellfield, ultimately deciding against Cheesacre for love. She tries to redirect his affections toward her niece Kate Vavasor, but Cheesacre remains heartbroken. Jeannette and Mrs. Greenow discuss the situation, and Captain Bellfield is turned away when he calls.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mrs. Greenow weighs marrying for love (Captain Bellfield) versus security (Mr. Cheesacre), ultimately choosing love.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Mrs. Greenow's financial independence allows her to reject Cheesacre's wealth; she considers Bellfield's poverty but is wary of hidden debts.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Greenow
Resolves to reject Mr. Cheesacre for love, considers Captain Bellfield, and tries to match Cheesacre with Kate Vavasor.
- Mr. Cheesacre
Heartbroken after Mrs. Greenow's rejection; refuses to consider Kate Vavasor and leaves for Oileymead.
- Captain Bellfield
Calls in the evening but is not admitted; Mrs. Greenow considers him as a potential husband despite his poverty.
- Jeannette
Chats with Mrs. Greenow about the lovers' quarrel and speculates on the outcome.
- Kate Vavasor
Proposed by Mrs. Greenow as a potential wife for Mr. Cheesacre, but he shows no interest.
Key passages
“She was a just woman at heart, and justice required that each of them should know what was to be his prospect if she did so return.”
Mrs. Greenow felt it was only fair to let both suitors know their chances before she left Norwich.
Highlights her sense of fairness in handling the two men's expectations.
“But she had already married for money once, as she told herself very plainly on this occasion, and she thought that she might now venture on a little love.”
Having already secured financial stability through her first marriage, she now felt entitled to marry for affection.
Captures her internal reasoning for choosing love over wealth.
“I didn’t ever think I should feel so much about a thing of the kind—I didn’t, really. I hardly know what to do with myself; but I suppose I’d better go back to Oileymead.”
Mr. Cheesacre expressed genuine surprise at his own heartbreak and resigned himself to returning home.
Shows Cheesacre's emotional vulnerability despite his earlier bravado.