Tom Jones Book 18, Chapter 12

Approaching Still Nearer the End

• Tom is looking very, very handsome.
• And so is Sophia.
• In fact, her dad makes a gross sexual comment about her and Tom that deeply embarrasses both of them.
• Squire Western quickly drags Squire Allworthy out of the room.
• Finally, Sophia says that Tom has been very lucky.
• Tom asks if it's lucky for Sophia to be angry with him.
• Tom asks for Sophia's forgiveness.
• He tells Sophia all about the Lady Bellaston affair.
• He knows that what he did with Lady Bellaston was terrible.
• But hasn't he paid for all of that?
• Sophia's not so ready to forgive and forget.
• What about the woman at Upton?
• How can Tom have been having these affairs when he was supposed to be desperately in love with Sophia?
• Tom answers that he has always thought only of Sophia.
• And now, he feels really bad about all his sexual screw-ups.
• Tom swears that he will be faithful.
• Sophia seems doubtful, but she is glad at least that Tom will have the chance to prove his loyalty in the future.
• Tom slowly wears her down, until she is willing to admit that someday, they could get married.
• Tom kisses her.
• Squire Western comes running in to cheer them on.
• Squire Western keeps insisting that Sophia agree to marry Tom right now.
• Sophia finally caves: "Why then to-morrow morning shall be the day, papa, since you will have it so" (18.12.8).
• Tom falls to his knees and kisses Sophia's hand.
• Squire Western runs out to start making arrangements.
• Squire Western and Squire Allworthy come back in together.
• Squire Allworthy wants to make sure Sophia really desires this match.
• Sophia confirms that she is very happy with how things have turned out.
• So finally, Squire Western gets to have his marriage celebration.
• The Westerns agree to join Tom and Squire Allworthy at dinner that night with the Nightingale family.