Villette

Miss Marchmont did not have time to arrange an inheritance for Lucy before she died. Lucy receives her wages of 15 pounds from Miss Marchmont’s second cousin. Lucy is to leave in one week but has not secured a new job or residence. She decides to visit her old nurse, Mrs. Barrett, now a housekeeper at a large home, for advice. After an initial conversation with Mrs. Barrett, Lucy walks at night and sees the northern lights, receiving it as a sign she is to move to London. The next day, she tells this to Mrs. Barrett, who knows Lucy is an educated and wise young woman but expresses concern regarding Lucy’s lack of means.

Lucy was a schoolmate with the lady of the house, Mrs. Barrett’s employer, who now has a young son. Lucy remembers the woman as beautiful but unintelligent. However, she now finds herself impressed by the woman’s kind looks, thinking, “Wifehood and maternity had changed her thus, as I have since seen them change others even less promising than she” (57). The lady speaks French poorly, but the boy has a nurse from another country, and Mrs. Barrett tells Lucy that governesses are treated well abroad. Lucy notes this piece of information. Mrs. Barrett also gives Lucy the name of an inn where she can stay in London.

Lucy travels to London but decides not to stay. She is not well received by the innkeepers, who assume she is poor due to her dress. She is overwhelmed by the cityscape’s stark difference compared to where she has been living. Lucy is exhausted and barely able to speak to the innkeepers to convince them of her identity. A meal and the warmth of the fire revive her, but she feels horribly alone. She cries herself to sleep but is awakened by church bells.

Lucy awakens the next day refreshed and exhilarated to be in a large city. As she eats breakfast, Lucy becomes acquainted with the waiter, who knew her uncles, Charles and Wilmot. Lucy enjoys a walk through the city, visiting a bookshop and St. Paul’s Cathedral. She takes in the view of the city from the dome of the cathedral and decides she loves the city more than the country: “At the West End you may be amused, but in the city you are deeply excited” (62).

After food, rest, and some deep thought, Lucy decides she will travel abroad. The waiter helps her plan the details of her journey, including securing her berth on a ship called The Vivid. Lucy boards the boat, but the boatmen and porters swindle her. She then tries to rest in her berth but is kept awake by a talkative stewardess and her son. Also on the boat are the Watsons, a wealthy family of four, and a young woman married to an older man.

The next morning, another young lady, Ginevra Fanshawe, sits to talk with Lucy. Ginevra is on her way to school in Villette, the capital of Labassecour. Ginevra is a lively and interesting young lady who says her parents are poor but have a wealthy relation named de Bassompierre who pays for her and her siblings’ education. Lucy tells her she is unsure of her destination and needs work. Ginevra mentions a Madame Beck in Villette who is in need of a governess. By the end of Ginevra and Lucy’s conversation, most of the passengers are becoming seasick and retire below, but Lucy remains on deck and contemplates her mysterious future. Towards evening, Lucy becomes seasick and, returning to her berth, is annoyed when Ginevra tries to talk with her. After a rough night at sea, they come to port in Boue-Marine. Lucy finds an inn where she can rest and recover from the journey.