North and South

Maria is not happy with her new home in Milton, especially with the dreary weather. The move has been expensive, and the family is low on funds. Margaret reads a letter from Edith describing her adventures in Corfu since the wedding. They enjoy many outdoor activities, and Margaret envies Edith’s freedom: “[E]dith’s life seemed like the deep vault of blue sky above her, free-utterly free from fleck or cloud” (91). Edith’s letter reminds Margaret of Helstone but also of carefree, luxurious days of living in London. She thinks of Lennox and considers what he would have thought of her father’s demotion.

Maria and Dixon both come down with a cold, and Margaret must go into town in search of another house cleaner. She struggles to find any viable candidates as the women prefer to work in the mill. People in town do not understand why the Hales need a house cleaner. Margaret notes most boys in town begin work at the factory as adolescents and do not attend college. Some men, like Thornton, realize later the need for classical education and seek a tutor.

Seeing his pupils has raised Richard’s spirits.