Frederica Part II

Vernon leads a rather idle life, going to parties and engaging in sports, and has never taken much interest in the more serious pursuits of his class, such as politics or managing his estates. He leaves most of that to his staff, particularly young Charles Trevor, who is his private secretary. Charles is the son of a clergyman who has a living on one of Vernon's estates,and he wants to go into politics. He is fond of his employer, though he disapproves of his hedonistic lifestyle and his mistresses. He is surprised that Vernon is willing to take on a guardian role for the Merrivilles, especially when Felix who is 12 keeps pestering him to take him to places where he can learn about science. Charles can see that Felix is lively and attractive but Vernon is not usually keen on his own sisters' children never mind a distant relative. The Merrivilles meet Vernons family and the ball takes place - Charis being a great social success. However, Vernons cousin Endymion is soon smitten with Charis and this causes a stir in the family. She has only a small dowry, and Endymion is handsome but rather stupid, and has only a moderate income in his own right, so Frederica does not like the love affair. She wants her sister to marry well and thinks that Endymion is not that likely to inherit his cousin's titles and estates, because Vernon is still a young man and sure to marry. Jessamy, the second son is prone to fits of religiousness and wants to be a clergyman. He however does get into some trouble when he goes out on a pedestrian curricle, a forerunner of the bicycle and has a crash. He has to seek help from Vernon who is again quite good natured about helping him out. He then lends Jessamy one of his horses so that he can take some exercise and warns him about the dangers of becoming a prig.