Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero

Pitt Junior, his wife, and Lady Southdown move into his dying father’s house. Sir Pitt dies a short time later, and Pitt Junior inherits his father’s estate. When arranging the funeral, Pitt and Jane argue with Lady Southdown over whether Becky should be invited. Pitt is insistent, asserting his authority. At his request, Jane writes to Rawdon and Becky to invite them. Becky receives the invitation happily; she still wants Lady Jane to introduce her to high society. By this time, Miss Briggs has been hired by Becky after Becky became aware of a substantial allowance left by Matilda to Miss Briggs. In the six months since they hired Miss Briggs, Rawdon and Becky have borrowed £600 from her.

Returning to the Crawley estate, Becky feels very different to the first time she visited. She and Rawdon silently pass through the gates, thinking about their respective family histories. Lady Jane receives Becky warmly, though Lady Southdown is cold. With bits of information gleaned from Jane, Becky tries to ingratiate herself with Lady Southdown. She seeks out medical advice from Lady Southdown and speaks to her about religion. Gradually, Lady Southdown begins to appreciate Becky more. Pitt understands the role Becky played in his receiving such a large inheritance from Matilda, so he remains respectful toward her.