The Fieldhead party, aside from Louis, goes to dine with Sir Phillip and his family. Sympson sees Shirley and Sir Phillip talking together and assumes she has accepted his proposal, mentioning it to Louis the following day and saying that they will soon leave Fieldhead. Days later, Sympson learns that Sir Phillip and his family have left Nunnely and he asks Shirley if she refused Sir Phillip. Sympson is incensed and asks her if she is interested in another man, insinuating it is Robert. She turns him out of the room and Sympson declares he will leave Fieldhead the next day. Louis finds Shirley and tells her of a letter he has received from Yorke, telling him Robert has been shot. He asks Shirley to tell the news to Caroline, and is surprised that he does not have to console Shirley much after the news is delivered.

Robert is taken to the Yorkes’ home where his siblings come to attend to him but no other visitors are allowed. Robert remains in bed until the winter. One of the Yorkes’ young sons, Martin, meets Caroline outside one day and she asks after Robert. Martin says he is likely to die soon as a joke.