Northanger Abbey

Henry, Eleanor, and Catherine finally go for their walk in the countryside. They pass Beechen Cliff, which Catherine says reminds her of southern France. Henry asks if she has travelled abroad, but Catherine clarifies that she meant it reminds her of the cliffs described in Ann Radcliffe’s novel The Mysteries of Udolpho. Henry surprises Catherine by saying that he actually enjoys reading novels. He liked Udolpho so much that even though he promised to read it aloud to Eleanor, he could not wait for her and read the whole book in two days. Catherine says Udolpho is the “nicest book in the world” (87), and Henry gently pokes fun at her word choice. Eleanor explains that Henry thinks “nice” is not a precise enough word to describe the book, and that he often corrects her on the same kinds of things. Eleanor and Catherine discuss what kinds of books they each enjoy.

As Henry and Eleanor turn the conversation to landscapes and drawing, Catherine feels embarrassed because she has trouble following their discussion. Catherine admits her ignorance, and as Henry explains it to her, he thinks Catherine has “great natural taste” because of her sincere focus and desire to learn (90). As Henry and Eleanor begin discussing politics, Catherine again finds herself with little to say on the subject, so she says that she heard that “something very shocking indeed, will soon come out in London” (91). At first, Eleanor thinks Catherine refers to something political. Henry explains that Catherine means a new gothic novel will be published soon, and Eleanor scolds him for talking to them as if they were unintelligent. Catherine does not mind his tone; she thinks Henry is never wrong, even if he chastises her or says something she does not fully understand.

The Tilneys walk Catherine home, and they ask Mrs. Allen if Catherine can join them for dinner in two days. Catherine is so happy that she can barely conceal it. That afternoon, Catherine goes out to purchase ribbon, and she has a chance encounter with Isabella’s sister, Anne. Anne says John drove their sister Maria while Isabella rode with James. She claims to be glad she did not go, but Catherine suspects Anne is actually jealous. Catherine hopes that Isabella and James will not be mad at her for not joining them, since they managed to have their drive without her.

Early the next morning, Isabella sends Catherine a note requesting her immediate presence at the Thorpes’ house. Upon her arrival, Catherine learns the group did not go to Blaize Castle without her, and she is relieved. When Isabella joins them, she says she knows Catherine knows what her letter was about—Catherine has no idea what is going on. Isabella praises James and says she wishes she was “more worthy of him,” and that she worries what Mr. and Mrs. Morland will say. Catherine asks Isabella if she and James are in love. Isabella says it is more than just being in love—she and James are now engaged. Catherine is surprised by the news but is also excited to have Isabella as her sister-in-law. Isabella asks Catherine to keep the news a secret, since James still has to get permission from his parents. Isabella is nervous they will not give their consent because her fortune is so small and James “might marry anybody” (98). Catherine reassures her that their differences in fortune do not matter, and she is sure her parents will like Isabella very much. Catherine spends the rest of the day at the Thorpes’ house. Isabella, John, and Mrs. Thorpe all consider the engagement as “the most fortunate circumstance imaginable for their family” (99).

Catherine returns to the Thorpes’ the next day to wait with Isabella for James’s letter, which will contain his parents’ decision. The letter finally arrives; it is a short note that only says the Morlands give them permission to marry. The note also states that further details of the Morlands’ income and assets will follow in a second letter, which will also include an engagement timeframe, but Isabella seems disinterested. She imagines a short engagement and thinks about how all her friends will be envious of her carriages, beautiful rings, and new name.

John prepares to leave for London. Before he leaves, he finds Catherine by herself in their parlor. John fidgets and hums to himself, then suddenly exclaims that Isabella and James’s marriage is a great thing. John asks if he can come visit her at her home in Fullerton; Catherine says yes, and her parents will probably be happy to see him if he does. John asks if Catherine herself would be glad to see him there, and she replies that she always likes having company over. John remarks that he also enjoys company, and he thinks they share the same opinions about many things. She soon says goodbye again and leaves to tell the Allens about James and Isabella’s engagement. The Allens are unsurprised by the news, as they felt certain it was inevitable since James arrived in Bath. Meanwhile, John thinks his conversation with Catherine was encouraging, and he feels confident Catherine sees him as a good candidate for her potential husband.