Marianne is dejectedly sitting at the dining table with her family - the viscount Walcott, her father; James, her younger brother; and the marchioness of Bath, her grandmother. The marchioness has been a surprise presence at the table, given the scandal that has caused the viscountess and her daughter to leave some time ago.
As Marianne sit there, lost in thought, her grandmother speaks up, saying,
"My son, please eat your food."
Marianne is surprised by this show of concern from a woman who has never seemed to like her much. Perhaps something has changed in her departure to France, or maybe, because of her rebirth.
"I've heard about what you did with the crown prince of Austria," the marchioness of Bath says to Marianne, her voice warm with praise. "I'm so proud of you. Now, I can be assured that you are fit to be the next viscount of Walcott."
