Part I, Chapters 16-18 Summary

The Captain leaves the next morning to take the new job. Charlotte has now totally renounced him and wants to do what she can to save her marriage. She is still hoping she can return to the happy state of the previous spring, when she and Edward were alone and happy together. Since she herself has exercised such restraint, she thinks that Edward and Ottilie should also do so. Charlotte suggests to Edward that now that the Captain is gone, they should return to their former state. Edward, thinking she means her own widowhood before marrying him, assumes she wants a divorce, so he can marry Ottilie. Charlotte confronts Edward and suggests that Ottilie be sent either back to boarding school or else to live with the wealthy family who needs a companion for their daughter. Edward...