After the kiss, Lucy decides that she must resolve the situation with George. Speaking to Charlotte, she accuses her cousin of telling Miss Lavish about the kiss. Charlotte confesses. Lucy is livid, recalling what happened with Cecil, the book, and George. Lucy hopes that—as the only person who understands what has happened—Charlotte might speak to George. When Charlotte tries to avoid the issue, Lucy presses her. Charlotte ultimately declines, as she believes that this issue is something that "only a gentleman" (175) can settle. As such, Lucy decides to speak with George herself. She knows she must speak to him in private, but she needs to have Charlotte present as a witness.

When Lucy gets the chance to talk to George, she insists that he should not make any more romantic advances toward her. She tells him to leave the house and never return. George is shocked; he cannot believe that Lucy actually intends to marry Cecil. In a meticulous fashion, he lists Cecil's many faults. He points out Cecil's arrogant, dismissive attitude, his penchant for cruel tricks, and his overbearing, controlling attitude toward Lucy. He says that Cecil will "know no one intimately, least of all a woman" (177).