Joseph Andrews Book 2, Chapter 4 Summary

  • So, what's up with Leonora? Apparently, she was a rich young woman who loved—and we mean loved—going to balls.
  • So Leonora meets this guy named Horatio at one such ball. They hit it off.
  • Horatio is pretty hot stuff, plus he asks Leonora to marry him. Happy ending, right?
  • Not quite. Even though Leonora accepts Horatio, she soon notices another guy.
  • The other guy is Bellarmine. Not only is he hot stuff, he also has a coach and six. That's code for mega-hot stuff.
  • Bellarmine likes Leonora, too. They dance at a ball and make eyes at each other.
  • Bellarmine proposes to Leonora, which poses a little bit of a problem. Which guy should she choose?
  • The next evening, Bellarmine and Leonora are having a cozy little dinner together. Bellarmine loves to talk fashion with his new beloved.
  • Yup, you guessed what happens next: Horatio shows up. He's a little less than pleased to be treated like a "common acquaintance" by Leonora.
  • Leonora's aunt and guardian enters the room and lets Horatio know what's up with the second proposal.
  • Just like any decent gentleman, Horatio demands a duel.
  • Although the ladies manage to put off the duel at first, they soon hear the news that Bellarmine has been fatally wounded by Horatio.
  • Leonora is totally devastated, but her aunt has bigger fish to fry.
  • Auntie tells Leonora to make nice with Horatio, since he's her only option now.
  • Meanwhile, a letter from Bellarmine arrives. Rumors of his demise have been greatly exaggerated: he's fine.
  • Immediately, Leonora decides to go to Bellarmine. After all, he's richer and French-er.
  • Before the story can finish, the coach arrives at the inn. To be continued.