My feelings and views towards this book and its main characters have changed a lot after reading some new chapters in the last few days.

I believe the writer knows too well how the readers would think of the engagement of Mr.Casaubon and Dodo that she introduces Mrs. Cadwallader to vent all what we readers want to say. I can't help laughing at her conversation with Sir James.

Knowing that Mrs. Cadwallader would use her power to hinder the marriage if she could, I begin to think whether she would make a better guadian than Mr. Brooke. She's practical and shrewd. Her opinions of life may be coarse, but they bear some real insights. Maybe that's what Dodo really needs? some reality check? Someone to burst her bubble?

But soon I dismiss this idea.

First, look at Mrs. Cadwallader's own marriage. Chapter 6 starts with her haggling with the maid for some fowls. Her husband seemingly knows better how to eat rather than buy. In chapter 8, he is described as "imperturbable ease and good humor which is infectious". His nature may be genial, but does this peacefullness have nothing to do with all these chickens he consumes without worries? Does Mrs. Cadwallader have a better eye for marriage?

Second, the motive of her intervention with this whole matching up thing. It's not for care or love but for cruel fun. The only way to regain some power back to compensate her drop in social status. She might not mean evil. But what else could she do besides day-to-day house holding and some quarrels with Mr. Brooke on local policital issues? Mr. Brooke thinks "I don't pretend to argue with a lady on politics". Does she really have any true influence on the town's political life?The only profession that left to women in public activities in that time seems to be a gossiper rather than a doctor, or teacher or a politician. In this case what can Mrs. Cadwallader teach Dodo about her spiritual pursuit?

After the back and forth of this question, I admire Dodo more. If she is to choose one as her guide and companion, who else does she have? It's a choice without options. But she has the courage to try some unsual path.

Then there's Mr. James, who has earned my respect more in these chapters. At first I saw him as a mediocre and happy man who would lead a straight yet full life. Yet he shows a lot of complexity after hearing the news of Dodo's engagement. The jealousy and the venom comment, which are totally understandable. The self-restraint, he decides the best way is to lick his wound quietly. And the most suprisingly, the sympathy. Not to a lover, but to a friend, to a young opposite sex. Here is what he states to the rector:

"You laugh because you fancy I have some feelings on my own account. But upon my honour, it is not that. I should feel just the same if I were Miss Brooke's brother or uncle."

Somehow I believe him. It might be that he quickly redirects his attention to Celia. He doesn't hold any romantic expectations for Dodo anymore, making his feeling to a friend/sisiter even more pure and touching.

And I really like the end of chapter 8. Here is the quote:

"She was perfectly unconstrained and without irritation towards him now, and he was graduallly discovering the delight is in frank kindness and companionship between a man and a woman who have no passion to hide or confess."

I know we've progressed a lot since Dodo and Mr. James' time. But do we do have so many chances to enjoy this kind of delight now? Maybe it's not about times, it's about our flaws and weeknesses. Sometimes we have to give up some semblance of love to get to some true feelings.