The Coquette

Eliza responds that she agrees with Lucy’s assessment of the situation but admits her “fancy claims some share in the decision” (28). The day to answer Mr. Boyer’s proposition arrives, but she is still weighing her options against her feelings.

In the Richmans’ garden, Boyer pleads his case. Eliza responds that she objects to forming a marital connection at the moment, not because he displeases her, but because of her youth and lack of self-knowledge. She does not wish to be constrained when she has only recently known freedom. Mr. Boyer replies that he does not wish to restrain her and that he is happy with the knowledge that she knows his feelings. He hopes that she will one day reciprocate his love. 

After Boyer leaves, Mrs. Richman warns Eliza that she has “the wrong ideas of freedom, and matrimony” (30). However, her friends view the conduct between Eliza and Mr. Boyer as a pre-engagement. They are confident that Eliza will choose him eventually.

Lucy congratulates Eliza on her rational conduct toward Mr. Boyer and prophesizes happiness for her. Lucy reveals that Major Sanford may be planning to buy “the seat of Captain Pribble” in Hartford, Eliza and Lucy’s home town (31).