Approaching Still Nearer the End
- Tom is looking very, very handsome.
- And so is Sophia.
- In fact, her dad makes a gross sexual comment about her and Tom that deeply embarrasses both of them.
- Squire Western quickly drags Squire Allworthy out of the room.
- Finally, Sophia says that Tom has been very lucky.
- Tom asks if it's lucky for Sophia to be angry with him.
- Tom asks for Sophia's forgiveness.
- He tells Sophia all about the Lady Bellaston affair.
- He knows that what he did with Lady Bellaston was terrible.
- But hasn't he paid for all of that?
- Sophia's not so ready to forgive and forget.
- What about the woman at Upton?
- How can Tom have been having these affairs when he was supposed to be desperately in love with Sophia?
- Tom answers that he has always thought only of Sophia.
- And now, he feels really bad about all his sexual screw-ups.
- Tom swears that he will be faithful.
- Sophia seems doubtful, but she is glad at least that Tom will have the chance to prove his loyalty in the future.
- Tom slowly wears her down, until she is willing to admit that someday, they could get married.
- Tom kisses her.
- Squire Western comes running in to cheer them on.
- Squire Western keeps insisting that Sophia agree to marry Tom right now.
- Sophia finally caves: "Why then to-morrow morning shall be the day, papa, since you will have it so" (18.12.8).
- Tom falls to his knees and kisses Sophia's hand.
- Squire Western runs out to start making arrangements.
- Squire Western and Squire Allworthy come back in together.
- Squire Allworthy wants to make sure Sophia really desires this match.
- Sophia confirms that she is very happy with how things have turned out.
- So finally, Squire Western gets to have his marriage celebration.
- The Westerns agree to join Tom and Squire Allworthy at dinner that night with the Nightingale family.