Cranford

Cranford’s Debate Over Mrs Fitz-Adam’s Social Standing

The narrator recalls the controversy surrounding Mrs Fitz-Adam, the widowed sister of the Cranford surgeon, née Miss Hoggins. After years of absence, she returned to Cranford a well-to-do widow dressed in rustling black silk, too soon after her husband’s death. A convocation of the leading ladies debated whether to call upon her, persuaded in part by Mrs Forrester’s etymological argument that “Fitz” signified noble lineage. Eventually, all the ladies paid their respects except Mrs Jamieson, who pointedly refused to acknowledge her, though Mrs Fitz-Adam continued to curtsey deeply whenever they met.

Ladies’ Arrival at Miss Barker’s Home

On a bright spring evening, several ladies arrive in calashes at Miss Barker’s door, where curious children gather to watch in silence. A servant named Peggy admits them, and the company files into the former shop, now a dressing-room, where they rearrange themselves before the glass. Mrs Forrester, taking precedence, is led up the narrow staircase to the drawing-room, followed by Mrs Jamieson, who is accompanied by an excitable Carlo. Miss Barker, taking the seat nearest the fire, basks in her pride as hostess.

Afternoon Tea and Card Games Gathering

A heavily laden tea-tray is presented, and Mrs Jamieson, despite her earlier aversion to seed-cake, politely consumes three large pieces to spare her hostess’s feelings. After tea, the ladies divide between a game of Preference, for which all clamour, and Cribbage for the remainder. The dilemma is resolved when the warmth of the room overcomes Mrs Jamieson, who falls into a deep, snoring slumber in her armchair. Miss Barker, despite professing ignorance of the game, proceeds to “baste” her opponents mercilessly, while the narrator is supplied with dated fashion-books and the gathering continues in hushed animation.