Home Sober
Mr. Freeman, heartily glad at the squire’s defeat, assists the narrator in carrying him to bed, where they leave him to the care of his servants. The narrator and Freeman then go home to their respective habitations, congratulating each other on their good fortune. The narrator has successfully avoided intoxication through his clever stratagem and escaped without damaging Narcissa’s good opinion of him.
CHAPTER LVII
R— R— continues his pursuit of Narcissa while navigating social complications with her brother the squire and encountering a new rival for Narcissa’s attention at a ball.
Miss Williams Confirms Narcissa’s Approbation of R— R—’s Flame
Miss Williams meets R— R— at their usual rendezvous and confirms that Narcissa has expressed warm approval of his behavior toward her brother. She recounts Narcissa’s passionate declarations in R— R—’s favor, which exceed his most hopeful expectations. When R— R— offers her a ring as gratitude, she refuses with resentment, feeling insulted that he would think her mercenary. After explaining his intentions and promising to follow her counsel, R— R— learns that Miss Williams can manage a literary correspondence between them by pretending she refused to deliver his letters until she knew Narcissa’s sentiments.
Reconciling the Squire and Securing Ball Permission
Consulting Freeman about reconciling with the offended squire, R— R— is advised that the only way to appease him is through a drinking contest. He hosts a debauch at his own lodgings to avoid being seen by Narcissa in such a state. The squire accepts the invitation and complains of the trick played on him, but R— R— promises to atone. While the squire drinks heavily, R— R— drinks lighter French claret and manages to remain composed, resulting in the squire being carried home drunk. The next day, R— R— obtains the squire’s permission to dance with Narcissa at the upcoming ball.
Writing a Love Letter to Narcissa
With permission to correspond through Miss Williams, R— R— composes an impassioned love letter expressing his emotions that exceed the power of language to convey. He writes of his wonder at her beauty, ravishment at her understanding, and adoration of her goodness. He pleads for an in-person interview to offer his heart and hear her enchanting voice. He commits the letter to Miss Williams with instructions to support his request.
Receiving Narcissa’s Favorable Reply
Miss Williams delivers Narcissa’s response, which admits she looks upon him with more than indifference and is pleased with his passion. She expresses confidence in his integrity and her own discretion, declaring she would not hesitate to grant his interview request if not for concern about public gossip. R— R— kisses the letter devoutly, reads it a hundred times, and is overjoyed by her subscription “Your Narcissa.” Her warm reception confirms his belief that she shares his passion.
Private Afternoon Meeting with Narcissa
Learning that the squire will be dining abroad, R— R— visits Narcissa in the afternoon. Miss Williams conveniently retires, leaving them alone. R— R— acts on impulse, embraces her, and kisses her lips. Narcissa blushes but forgives him after he falls at her feet to apologize. When the servant arrives with tea, they discuss the ball, and she promises to be his partner. She later rings for her maid as a check upon his vivacity, though with Miss Williams present as their mutual confidante, he can speak freely. The conversation turns to their feelings, and Narcissa lays aside her former reserve, declaring her mutual flame. They embrace tenderly and spend the afternoon exchanging vows of hope while Miss Williams observes, moved to tears by their chaste affection.
Jealousy Over the Nobleman’s Attention to Narcissa
At the ball, Narcissa eclipses all competitors with her beauty. After they dance, a prominent nobleman pays them a flattering compliment, but then attaches himself to Narcissa with evident passion. R— R— feels the pangs of jealousy watching his rival’s success, dreading his power and address. When the nobleman speaks warmly to Narcissa, R— R—’s heart dies within him. He becomes enraged and assumes a grim demeanor. When the nobleman departs to the other side of the room, Narcissa notices his agitation and changes color with concern, asking what ails him.
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