The History of Mrs. Fitzpatrick
- Remember, back in Book 4, Chapter 5, when we mentioned that Sophia spent three years at her aunt's house in Bath learning how to be a lady?
- Well, her cousin Harriet (the future Mrs. Fitzpatrick) was her best friend during that time.
- Once Sophia returned to her father's house, Harriet was left more or less on her own.
- And it's to this post-Sophia life in Bath that Mrs. Fitzpatrick/Harriet flashes back.
- At this time, Mrs. Western is attracted to an Irish gentleman named Mr. Fitzpatrick.
- She frequently brings him over to her house for gatherings.
- People start to gossip that maybe Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Western are having an affair.
- At first, Harriet believes that Mr. Fitzpatrick is trying to marry Mrs. Western for her money.
- But then, Mr. Fitzpatrick starts behaving romantically towards Harriet herself.
- But Mrs. Western is completely oblivious to all of the signs that Mr. Fitzpatrick is trying to seduce her niece.
- Finally, Mr. Fitzpatrick tells Harriet that he is in love with her.
- Harriet is thrilled, not only that he loves her, but also that she beat out all of her rivals for Mr. Fitzpatrick's attention.
- Harriet and Mr. Fitzpatrick elope.
- Mrs. Western refuses to speak to Harriet—now Mrs. Fitzpatrick.