In contrast, Molly is becoming graver and quieter. Part of this is worry over Cynthia, but she is also concerned about Roger. She has accepted that he is in love with Cynthia- as she looks at her sister's lively beauty, she wistfully concludes that it was inevitable. She's also bothered by the complete turn around in Hyacinth's attitude to Roger, as she can see no reason for it. Molly's step-mother now spends as much energy throwing Cynthia and Roger together as she did previously trying to keep them apart. It seems odd, to say the least.
Meanwhile, Roger has his own worries. He is in love with Cynthia, but cannot marry at present, because that would mean giving up his fellowship at Cambridge, and he has no other job lined up. As well, he is concerned about Osborne: not just over his brother's situation, but over his health, because he seems most unwell. Then, too, the Squire is depressed and brooding- the alienation between himself and Osborne grieves him greatly, and he feels terrible about cancelling the drainage project and throwing so many men out of work. To relieve his mind, Roger tells his father to give him a couple months to get some money together and then he can reopen the project. He goes to London to make arrangements.
Lady Harriet sends word that she is coming to visit, and Hyacinth, who is jealous of the friendship which has sprung up between Molly and a member of the local aristocratic family, insists that Molly be out of the house when she comes, sending her to visit the Browning sisters. She keeps Cynthia at home so she can oversee the lunch preparations. Over dinner, Lady Harriet tells Hyacinth and Cynthia that Lord Hollingford has become a trustee over a legacy which was left by Mr. Crichton, a rich man who wished to fund scientific research. When he died, he left a large sum of money to pay for a learned man to go on a journey to Africa to study the animal life, and to bring back samples and specimens in order to establish a museum of natural science named after the donor. Lady Harriet reveals that Lord Hollingford is planning to ask Roger Hamley to undertake this mission. That night, Hyacinth tells the news to Molly and Dr. Gibson. The doctor is pleased for Roger's sake, but then seems rather thoughtful. Molly, though proud of Roger, is saddened by the idea of him leaving for so long.
Roger is very busy preparing for the journey and collecting all the scientific equipment and supplies he'll need for the expedition. He does manage to come home for a couple of days, and rides over to say goodbye to the Gibsons. On the way, he debates with himself over whether or not to declare his feelings to Cynthia, as he will be gone for two years. When Molly arrives home from a walk, she is hustled out of the way by Hyacinth, who says that she thinks Roger
Later, Molly asks Cynthia frankly if she loves Roger, and Cynthia doesn't meet her eyes or give a straight answer. She says that she respects him, and admires him greatly. She also says that two years is a long time, and anything can happen, then changes the subject with a jest.
Despite his anger, the doctor thinks that Cynthia has engaged herself to the best possible man, as he has a great liking and respect for Roger. He tells Cynthia so that evening, and gravely says that he hopes she's worthy of him. A bit miffed that he doesn't wonder if Roger is worthy of her, Cynthia is further dismayed when Dr Gibson says that he must tell Squire Hamley about the engagement. Pettishly, Cynthia says that the engagement isn't binding, and is supposed to be a secret, but the doctor insists.
After the visit, the doctor asks Molly how it went, and she tells him it was successful- Cynthia exerted herself to be charming, and walked about the estate with the Squire, listening closely to all of his talk of the gardens and grounds. Dr Gibson asks her if Osborne was there, but she says he was still away, blushing as she thinks that he is no doubt with his secret wife. Seeing the blush, Dr Gibson worries that maybe there is some romantic attachment between Molly and Osborne, but she assures him that they are friends and nothing more.
Afterwards, Molly tries to comfort the upset Cynthia. Her sister says that she knew Mr Coxe liked her, and that she likes to be liked... she just doesn't understand why people take such things so seriously. Molly asks her if she's going to tell Roger about the incident, but Cynthia says no, it would only make him feel bad. Molly says yes, but that she should be able to tell Roger about all her troubles and difficulties. Cynthia says that she has a feeling that she and Roger will never marry, so it's not a good idea to tell him all her secrets. Shocked, Molly says that this would break Roger's heart, and that she doesn't think Cynthia values him as she should. Cynthia says she does value him, but that it's not in her nature to be in "love"... "But I'm glad he loves me, and I like to make him happy".
Then Cynthia, in a weird change of subject, asks Molly what she'd think if she ended up marrying Mr. Preston instead. Confused, Molly asks her if Mr. Preston has proposed. Cynthia doesn't answer directly, merely saying that sometimes strong personalities hypnotize weak ones. Molly asks her why she just doesn't refuse to see or talk to Preston, but Cynthia says that it's complicated- she knew him previously and that he's not easily put off. Upset, she says that she wishes that Roger was home and rich, so that he could marry her at once and get her away from Preston. Molly finds this all very odd, but Cynthia refuses to explain further.