Cranford

Mr Holbrook’s Memory

One summer evening, Mr Peter reminisces about his old friend Mr Holbrook of Woodley, whom he had always believed would marry his sister Matty. He tells Miss Matty and the narrator that when he left England, he would have sworn she was on the road to matrimony. He recalls how Holbrook used to talk constantly of Matty during their fishing expeditions, and how he attributes Holbrook’s kindness to a young Peter as evidence of his affection for Miss Matty. The narrator notes that Peter’s sister Deborah once lectured him severely about inviting Holbrook to lunch when the Arley carriage was in town, for fear of what people would think. Peter expresses regret that Holbrook died before he could return home to thank him properly, saying he would have liked such a man for a brother-in-law.

Miss Matty’s Frailty

Upon hearing Mr Peter’s memories of Mr Holbrook and the suggestion that she “must have played her cards badly,” Miss Matty grows silent. She begins to shiver despite the warm evening, and Peter notices her distress immediately. He closes the open window and the narrator is concerned that she may be chilled. Miss Matty clasps the narrator’s hand unconsciously, though she recovers her spirits within a few minutes and smiles away their worry. The narrator and Peter enforce remedies of a warm bed and weak negus, and by the next day all effects of the chill have vanished. The incident reveals Miss Matty’s delicate constitution and her sensitivity when confronted with memories of lost love.

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.