Cranford

Household Arrangements

The narrator describes the changes made to Miss Matty’s household during her extended stay. The shop has been converted back into a parlour, and the empty rooms have been refurnished throughout the house, even to the garrets. Although there had been discussion of Martha and Jem living separately, Miss Matty insisted they remain with her. She declares herself only too thankful to have Martha and even Jem, whom she rarely sees from week to week. Miss Matty expresses fondness for Martha’s baby, her god-daughter Matilda, and looks forward to future children, including one to be named Deborah despite her own preference for Matilda. Miss Pole had to accept this arrangement, acknowledging the wisdom of keeping Martha’s help close as an auxiliary to Miss Matty’s care.

The Gordons’ Return

The narrator receives two letters on an October morning from Miss Pole and Miss Matty, inviting her to return to Cranford to meet the Gordons, who have returned to England alive and well with their two children, now almost grown up. Dear Jessie Brown, now Mrs Gordon, has kept her kind nature despite her changed name and station. Her letter addresses everyone from the rector down to Miss Betty Barker, asking them all to a luncheon. Notably, Mrs Fitz-Adam, who has come to live in Cranford since Jessie’s departure, is omitted from the invitation, leaving her rather moping. Miss Betty Barker’s inclusion surprises some, but the narrator explains that Captain Brown’s unconventional upbringing of his daughters must be allowed for, and Mrs Jamieson takes it as a compliment that her former maid is now on equal footing with “those Hogginses.”

Mrs Fitz-Adam’s Inclusion

The narrator finds Mrs Fitz-Adam upset about being excluded from the Gordon’s luncheon. Mr Peter takes charge of the situation, persuading Miss Matty to write to Mrs Gordon and explain Mrs Fitz-Adam’s existence and kind nature. The reply comes by return of post with a pretty note for Mrs Fitz-Adam and a request that Miss Matty deliver it and explain the previous oversight. Mrs Fitz-Adam is deeply pleased and thanks Miss Matty repeatedly. Meanwhile, Mr Peter tells the narrator and Miss Matty to leave Mrs Jamieson to him, promising to handle that situation as well. The narrator does not know how Peter’s efforts with Mrs Jamieson are progressing until Miss Pole reveals, the day before the Gordons’ arrival, that Mrs Jamieson has decided to attend after all, having sent Mr Mulliner to request a footstool for her preferred seat.

Fears of Matrimony

Miss Pole approaches the narrator with grave concerns about a possible romance between Mr Peter and Mrs Jamieson, noting that the honorable lady is indeed planning to attend the luncheon. Miss Pole seems to think there are other ladies in Cranford who would do more credit to Peter’s choice, perhaps having someone specific in mind, and repeatedly laments that it shows such “want of delicacy in a widow to think of such a thing.” The narrator admits to sharing Miss Pole’s unhappiness about the possibility, fearing that Mrs Jamieson might displace dear Miss Matty in Mr Peter’s heart and make her life lonely once more. Both women watch Mr Peter carefully at the luncheon, concerned about what they might observe.

The Signor Brunoni Performance

Mr Peter reveals his plan to host a performance by Signor Brunoni, a magician who has performed for Eastern royalty, at the Cranford Assembly Rooms. He has invited the signor to come for one night only and is bearing all expenses himself, with tickets distributed gratis to fill the room. The event is to be held under the patronage of the Honorable Mrs Jamieson, which the narrator views with alarm, fearing it signals a romantic connection between Peter and the widow. Miss Matty, however, is delighted with the plan, comparing the occasion to the Preston Guild of her youth—a luncheon at the George with the Gordons followed by the signor’s performance in the evening. The narrator learns that Peter secured Mrs Jamieson’s patronage partly to gain her attendance and intends to keep her occupied and entertained so she has no time to maintain her rancor against the Hogginses.

The Luncheon at the George

At the George inn, the narrator watches Mr Peter with great attention, noting how animated Mrs Jamieson appears in his company. Drawing near, the narrator discovers that Peter is not speaking of love but rather is telling Mrs Jamieson elaborate stories about the Himalayas, adding increasingly absurd details to the height of the mountains with each statement. Mrs Jamieson enjoys every word in perfect good faith. Peter then describes shooting what he thought was a flying creature, only to discover he had shot a cherubim. He catches the narrator’s eye with a twinkle that confirms he has no matrimonial intentions toward Mrs Jamieson. When she expresses concern about the sacrilege of shooting a cherubim, Peter explains that he has lived among savages and heathens for a long time. He then plans to enter the Assembly Room that evening with Mrs Jamieson on one side and Mrs Hoggins on the other.

Reconciliation Achieved

Through Mr Peter’s careful efforts and the help of Major and Mrs Gordon, who are blissfully ignorant of any existing coolness among Cranford’s inhabitants, a reconciliation is achieved between Mrs Jamieson and the Hogginses. Peter deliberately keeps Mrs Jamieson well entertained and occupied, preventing her from maintaining her grudge against the “plebeian” family. At the luncheon and the subsequent Signor Brunoni performance, he ensures that Mrs Jamieson and Mrs Hoggins are brought into conversation together. The narrator expresses gratitude that the old friendly sociability has been restored to Cranford society, particularly because of Miss Matty’s love of peace and kindliness. The chapter concludes with the reflection that all in Cranford love Miss Matty and seem to be better people when she is near them.