Middlemarch

CHAPITRE XLIX.

The scene unfolds in the library at Lowick Grange on the day after Mr. Casaubon’s burial, where Sir James Chettam and Mr. Brooke engage in a heated discussion about protecting Dorothea from knowledge of a damaging codicil in her late husband’s will. Sir James insists that Ladislaw must be sent away and that Dorothea should be moved to Freshitt Hall with Celia and the baby as soon as she recovers, viewing the codicil as an unforgivable insult that compromises her dignity by coupling her name with the young man’s in public perception. Mr. Brooke, however, resists these suggestions, arguing that Ladislaw has been invaluable to his political work with the Pioneer and would likely become more prominent if dismissed, while also pointing out practical impossibilities—Dorothea is a legal executrix who will naturally want to participate in estate matters, and sending Ladislaw away would not prevent gossip but might instead create the appearance of distrust in Dorothea herself.

Sir James and Mr Brooke Consult

The day after Mr. Casaubon’s burial, Sir James Chettam and Mr. Brooke meet in the library at Lowick Grange. Sir James expresses intense disgust and concern about Dorothea learning certain information. Mr. Brooke, fidgeting with his eye-glasses and examining papers, notes that Dorothea is an executrix and would naturally want to participate in such matters. Sir James proposes keeping all business from Dorothea until she recovers, then moving her to his home where Celia and the baby will comfort her.

The Question of the Codicil

Sir James reveals his outrage over a codicil to Casaubon’s will that compromises Dorothea’s reputation by linking her name with Ladislaw. He condemns it as the meanest, most ungentlemanly action—a positive insult to her. Mr. Brooke explains that Casaubon was jealous of Ladislaw, who had shown disrespect for Casaubon’s scholarly pursuits, particularly his studies of Thoth and Dagon. Mr. Brooke notes that Casaubon, buried in books, simply did not understand the world.

Sir James Proposes Sending Ladislaw Away

Sir James insists that Mr. Brooke must get rid of Ladislaw and send him out of the country, pointing out that Mr. Brooke brought him there and keeps him employed. He emphasizes his right to speak as Dorothea’s brother-in-law, concerned for her dignity and reputation.

Mr Brooke Defends Ladislaw

Mr. Brooke resists the proposal, walking to the window and protesting that such action cannot be done easily or without reasons. He praises Ladislaw as invaluable, most satisfactory, and suggests he has done a service to the country by bringing him there. He argues he cannot dismiss Ladislaw instantly.

Gossip and Impropriety

Mr. Brooke contends that sending Ladislaw away will not prevent gossip—people say what they please regardless of facts. He suggests he might remove Ladislaw from the Pioneer and similar positions, but cannot force him to leave the country if he chooses to stay. He characterizes his own position as reasonable rather than obstinate.

A Matter of Distrust

Sir James admits he suspects Ladislaw though he does not believe Dorothea has done anything improper. Mr. Brooke argues that sending Ladislaw away would actually look worse for Dorothea, seeming as if her friends distrusted her. This argument gives Mr. Brooke the upper hand in the discussion.

Sir James’s Frustration

Growing passionate, Sir James offers to help fund a position for Ladislaw, perhaps in the suite of a Colonial Governor, or to write to Fulke on the matter. Mr. Brooke remains unmoved, explaining that Ladislaw has his own ideas and cannot simply be shipped away. He warns that Ladislaw would become more prominent as an agitator if separated from him. Sir James retreats, preparing to leave.

Protecting Dorothea

Sir James declares his intention to protect Dorothea as her brother, since her friends were once too careless and allowed her to be sacrificed. He asserts he will do what he can. Mr. Brooke, pleased to have won the argument, agrees that getting Dorothea to Freshitt as soon as possible is the best course. His true motivation emerges—he needs Ladislaw for his political purposes during a potential dissolution and upcoming election.