- The Bulstrodes are preparing to leave Middlemarch permanently, and Bulstrode asks his wife if there's anything she'd like him to do as far as the property they're leaving behind (their house in town and Stone Court).
- She says that she'd like to do something for her brother's family, the Vincys – especially for Rosamond and Lydgate.
- But since Lydgate has refused to have any more dealings with him, Bulstrode suggests that they give Stone Court to Fred.
- Mrs. Bulstrode has to conduct the business herself, though, since Caleb Garth doesn't want to do business with Mr. Bulstrode.