How we cite our quotes: Collins doesn't use traditional chapters in The Moonstone, so the citations are a little trickier than in other Victorian novels. Citations follow this format: (Period.Narrative.Chapter.Paragraph).
Quote #7
'The truth is, that women try marriage as a Refuge, far more numerously than they are willing to admit; and, what is more, they find that marriage has justified their confidence in it.' (2.1.5.53)
Godfrey tells Rachel that lots of women get married to escape romantic disappointment. Like if you found out that your crush had been arrested for shoplifting, so to hide your disappointment (and embarrassment), you immediately agree to go out with someone you don't even really like. That kind of thing happens all the time, Godfrey says.
Quote #8
'When my mother was a girl, Rachel (it is no secret in the family), she had loved as you love—she had given her heart to a man who was unworthy of her. She married my father, respecting him, admiring him, but nothing more. Your own eyes have seen the result. Is there no encouragement in it for you and for me?' (2.1.5.61)
Even Godfrey's mother did it! She found out that her girlhood crush was "unworthy of her" and so, in the first pangs of disappointment, she agreed to marry Mr. Ablewhite. His family wasn't as rich as hers was, but hey. Better get married than sit at home crying over her crush. And after all, Godfrey argues, his parents are happy enough. According to this passage, love is totally unnecessary to a happy marriage.
Quote #9
'In plain English, it's your sovereign will and pleasure, Miss Verinder, to jilt my son?' (2.1.8.53)
A 'jilt' is an old-fashioned word for someone who breaks up a romantic relationship for no good reason. It was pretty insulting to call a woman a 'jilt.' It would be like calling someone a 'tease' nowadays.