He Knew He Was Right · Chapter
Mr. Gibson's Good Fortune explained
Brooke Burgess visits his uncle Bartholomew at the bank, who warns him that Miss Stanbury will eventually throw him over as she has others.
What happens
Brooke Burgess visits his uncle Bartholomew at the bank, who warns him that Miss Stanbury will eventually throw him over as she has others. Meanwhile, Miss Stanbury pressures Dorothy to accept Mr. Gibson's proposal, hoping to secure Nuncombe Putney for him. Brooke and Mr. Gibson attend a tea at Mrs. French's, where Arabella French invites them, but Miss Stanbury and Dorothy decline.
Themes in this chapter
Family Loyalty and Sacrifice
Miss Stanbury pressures Dorothy to marry Mr. Gibson to secure the Nuncombe Putney living for the family.
Social Reputation and Gossip
Bartholomew Burgess gossips about Miss Stanbury's past treatment of others, and the Frenches' social maneuvering is evident.
Characters to notice
- Brooke Burgess
Visits his uncle at the bank and later discusses Mr. Gibson and the Frenches with him.
- Bartholomew Burgess
Warns Brooke about Miss Stanbury's manipulative nature and expresses his hatred for her.
- Miss Jemima Stanbury
Pressures Dorothy to accept Mr. Gibson's proposal and hopes to secure Nuncombe Putney for him.
- Dorothy Stanbury
Is the object of Mr. Gibson's proposal and feels shy about discussing marriage.
- Mr. Gibson
Proposes to Dorothy under pressure from Miss Stanbury and is teased by Brooke about the Frenches.
- Arabella French
Invites Brooke and Mr. Gibson to tea at her house, and also invites Miss Stanbury and Dorothy.
Key passages
“I'll bet you half-a-crown, my lad, you're thrown over at last, like the rest of them. There's nothing she likes so much as taking someone up in order that she may throw him over afterwards.”
Bartholomew Burgess bets Brooke that Miss Stanbury will eventually reject him, as she enjoys raising people's hopes only to disappoint them.
Bartholomew warns Brooke about Miss Stanbury's manipulative behavior.
“She's got a parson by the hand, now. There was a clergyman there last night.”
Bartholomew notes that Miss Stanbury is currently favoring a clergyman, referring to Mr. Gibson.
Bartholomew comments on Miss Stanbury's new protégé.
“I do think it would be such a nice thing for Dolly.”
Miss Stanbury believes that marrying Mr. Gibson would be a good match for Dorothy.
Miss Stanbury expresses her hope for Dorothy's marriage.