Middlemarch

Speculations on Mary Garth

Rosamond, with a touch of innuendo, supposes that Mary Garth admires Mr. Lydgate. Fred, suddenly glum, replies that he really cannot say, and retreating to an arm-chair with a novel, tells her that if she is jealous she should go oftener to Stone Court herself and eclipse Mary. Rosamond rebukes him for vulgarity and rings the bell. Mrs. Vincy, after the table is cleared, takes up the theme, lamenting that Rosamond will not visit her uncle Featherstone more often, given his pride in her and his wish that she live with him, and hinting that her patience might have been rewarded, for it stands to reason that Featherstone will do something for Mary Garth.

CHAPITRE XI.

Chapter XI opens with a domestic conversation among members of the Vincy family that lays the groundwork for the chapter’s four core events: a debate over Mary Garth’s claim to the ailing Mr. Featherstone’s inheritance, Mrs. Vincy’s departure to run errands, plans for a joint horseback ride the following day, and a playful quarrel between Fred and Rosamond over Fred’s flute playing.

Discussion of Mary Garth and Inheritance

Rosamond opens the discussion by noting Mary Garth tolerates staying at the ailing Mr. Featherstone’s Stone Court because she prefers it to working as a governess, and states she would reject any inheritance from Featherstone if it required enduring his chronic cough and unpleasant relatives. Mrs. Vincy acknowledges Featherstone is unlikely to live much longer due to his asthma and internal complaint, and says she has no desire to hasten his end, but argues Mary has a weaker claim to his estate than her own sister’s children: Featherstone’s first wife brought no money to the marriage while her sister did, so her sister’s nieces and nephews have a stronger entitlement. She also dismisses Mary as a dreadfully plain girl better suited to a governess role. Fred gently pushes back on his mother’s negative assessment of Mary, noting not everyone would share her view of Mary’s appearance.

Mrs. Vincy’s Departure

After wrapping up the inheritance discussion, Mrs. Vincy states she holds no personal ill will toward Mary Garth, but believes justice for her sister’s family must be prioritized. She announces she must leave to go shopping, reminds Fred of his father’s wish that he return to college to complete his degree, and affectionately strokes his head before departing. Fred kisses his mother’s hand but does not respond to her comments about his studies.

Arranging a Ride

After Mrs. Vincy departs, Rosamond lingers to ask Fred if he plans to go riding that day, revealing her father has given her permission to ride the family chestnut horse. Fred says he is traveling to Stone Court the next day and offers to take her riding then. Rosamond claims she is indifferent to their destination as long as she gets to ride, though she secretly specifically hopes to visit Stone Court of all possible locations.

The Flute Quarrel

As Rosamond heads to the piano, Fred asks to join her to play flute pieces, but she refuses, saying flute playing looks silly for a man and criticizes his consistently out-of-tune performances. The pair banter about mutual obligations: Fred jokes he will tell any future suitor of Rosamond’s how unaccommodating she is, while Rosamond argues she has no obligation to listen to him play flute any more than he has an obligation to stop playing. Their exchange leads to an adjustment, with Fred agreeing to take Rosamond riding the next day as she requested. He then spends nearly an hour practicing popular flute airs including “Ar hyd y nos” and “Ye banks and braes” from his Instructor on the Flute, delivering a wheezy performance full of ambition and irrepressible hopefulness.

CHAPITRE XII.

Chapter XII follows Fred Vincy and his wife Rosamond on their ride to Stone Court, where Fred’s wealthy but ill uncle Peter Featherstone resides. The visit becomes tense as Mrs. Waule, Featherstone’s sister, insinuates rumors about Fred’s finances before Fred’s arrival. After dismissing her, Featherstone privately accuses Fred of borrowing money by pledging his expected inheritance, and demands written proof from Mr. Bulstrode to refute the story, leaving Fred in a difficult dilemma over money and pride.