Part 1: Chapter 8 Summary

The Bovary's arrive at La Vaubyessard, and they are personally greeted by the marquis. The chateau is described a modern building with lavish design and rich accessories and decorations. Emma is disappointed with the marquis because she is an unattractive woman of about 40. At dinner, the men and women are separated, as was custom. Emma is shocked that many of the women did not put their gloves in their wine glasses indicating that they would not be drinking. At the dinner table with the women is the marquis' father-in-law who once was a queen's lover. Emma is fascinated by the old man. She cannot look away from him because he has been in court and slept in a queen's bed.

Emma tells Charles not to dance, as she gets ready for the ball. She implies that he is getting fat and...