# VII: “I Wish You’d Like Me” explained — Harry Heathcote of Gangoil

> Chapter companion for Harry Heathcote of Gangoil by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Harry Heathcote, exhausted from a night of riding, sleeps on the veranda while his wife and sister-in-law watch over him. He discusses his fears of fire and his suspicion of Bill Nokes, criticizing Medlicot for supporting him. Old Bates visits, and later the Medlicots propose a Christmas dinner at their mill, but Harry insists they come to Gangoil instead. During a walk, Medlicot confesses his feelings to Kate Daly, who is flustered and lies awake thinking of his words.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Hardship

Harry's exhaustion from night riding and his constant fear of fire highlight the relentless physical and mental toll of bush life.

### Family and Loyalty

The Heathcote family's care for Harry and Kate's devotion to her sister and brother-in-law underscore the importance of familial bonds in the bush.

### Colonial Identity and Alienation

Medlicot and Kate discuss 'home' (England) versus life in Australia, reflecting the colonial experience of displacement and adaptation.

## Character check-ins

### Harry Heathcote

Exhausted from night riding, sleeps on veranda; discusses fears of fire and suspicion of Nokes; arranges Christmas dinner at Gangoil.

### Kate Daly

Watches over Harry with her sister; walks with Medlicot, who confesses he wishes she would like him; lies awake thinking of his words.

### Mrs. Heathcote

Sits with Harry, protecting him from flies; supports the Christmas dinner invitation to Medlicots.

### Giles Medlicot

Visits Gangoil with his mother; walks with Kate and confesses his feelings; agrees to Christmas dinner at Gangoil.

### Old Bates

Visits Harry, discusses fires and the Brownbie lads; enjoys his Sunday brandy-and-water.

### Bill Nokes

Mentioned as suspected arsonist; Harry criticizes Medlicot for supporting him.

## Key lines

> I wish you’d like me

Medlicot confesses his romantic interest in Kate Daly.

_This pivotal line marks the beginning of their romantic tension._

> What the glass of brandy-and-water was to Mickey O’Dowd after a fortnight’s solitude in a bush hut, with tea, dampers, and lumps of mutton, a young man in the guise of a gentleman was to poor Kate Daly.

Just as a drink is a rare treat for a lonely bushman, a gentleman like Medlicot is an exciting novelty for Kate.

_The narrator compares Kate's longing for romance to a bushman's craving for alcohol._

## Links

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