The Mayor of Casterbridge Chapter 23 Summary

Farfrae is bowled over by Lucetta's beauty.
The narrator tells us that, in fact, Elizabeth-Jane is more beautiful, but Lucetta knows how to show it off better – she's flashier.
Lucetta is also kind of a flirt.
Farfrae says he's there to see Elizabeth-Jane, and Lucetta assures him she'll be back soon.
She and Farfrae have a long chat, even touching on some personal subjects, although they've just met.
They're clearly very interested in each other.
He leaves before Elizabeth-Jane gets back.
A few minutes later, Henchard arrives.
Lucetta tells the servant to send him away and to tell him she has a headache.
She came to Casterbridge to try to get Henchard to marry her, but now that he's ready and willing, she's no longer so sure she wants to.
Elizabeth-Jane gets home, and Lucetta is very warm and affectionate with her.
She says she wants Elizabeth-Jane to stay there for a long time.
She figures that Elizabeth-Jane will be like a guard dog to keep Henchard away.