Tom Jones Book 11, Chapter 4

The History of Mrs. Fitzpatrick

• Remember, back in Book 4, Chapter 5, when we mentioned that Sophia spent three years at her aunt's house in Bath learning how to be a lady?
• Well, her cousin Harriet (the future Mrs. Fitzpatrick) was her best friend during that time.
• Once Sophia returned to her father's house, Harriet was left more or less on her own.
• And it's to this post-Sophia life in Bath that Mrs. Fitzpatrick/Harriet flashes back.
• At this time, Mrs. Western is attracted to an Irish gentleman named Mr. Fitzpatrick.
• She frequently brings him over to her house for gatherings.
• People start to gossip that maybe Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Western are having an affair.
• At first, Harriet believes that Mr. Fitzpatrick is trying to marry Mrs. Western for her money.
• But then, Mr. Fitzpatrick starts behaving romantically towards Harriet herself.
• But Mrs. Western is completely oblivious to all of the signs that Mr. Fitzpatrick is trying to seduce her niece.
• Finally, Mr. Fitzpatrick tells Harriet that he is in love with her.
• Harriet is thrilled, not only that he loves her, but also that she beat out all of her rivals for Mr. Fitzpatrick's attention.
• Harriet and Mr. Fitzpatrick elope.
• Mrs. Western refuses to speak to Harriet—now Mrs. Fitzpatrick.