Summary

Chapter 11 opens with a scene between Charles and Edith. Edith has broken with her usual morning routine and decided to take a bath before breakfast. This change in habit has alarmed Charles mildly, and Edith is short with him when he asks her the reason for it. As Charles gets dressed and ready to go to Brook Farm to oversee getting it ready to rent, Edith thinks over her dissatisfaction. She has intentionally tried to stay away from London, even though Charles feels it might help her better cope with living in the country. Although she does not fully realize it, her reluctance to go to London more often is based on a fear that she might find it too enjoyable and not be able to bear returning to her life as a country lady.

Charles invites Edith to come to Brook Farm with...