Part 1: Chapter 20 Summary

In the declining action of Part I, Alcott settles the question of what will become of Meg and Mr. Brooke. As the chapter opens, everyone seems to be waiting for something to happen. Jo is on edge, Mr. and Mrs. March seem anxious and Meg is absentminded.

Jo encourages her sister to quickly reject Mr. Brooke's proposal, when and if it comes. Meg assures her she plans to tell Mr. Brooke that she is too young to make any plans and wishes to remain friends.

When Mr. Brooke comes to the March house to retrieve his umbrella, he takes the opportunity to speak to Meg. She does not make the speech she planned, but finds herself rather taken in – until she detects a hint of smugness. The idea that Mr. Brooke believes her affection for him is a foregone conclusion irks...