Cranford

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.