Judith's gloating is one of the high points of the whole series. JB is fabulous! She also seems to know how to do needlepoint embroidery properly.
Carl and Edward are absolutely furious about the will, but Quentin is surprisingly pragmatic. He decides to devote himself to a life of dissipation and promptly leaves for Beth's little garret room. He is just about to kiss her when they hear a knock on the door.
It's Rachel, who wants to speak to Beth. Allow me, Quentin tells Beth grandly and rushes to open the door. No, Quentin! Beth says, but she’s too late. Rachel stammers apologetically to Beth, I didn’t realize you had company. With a smile, Quentin assures her, You think you interrupted some sort of tryst, but you’re wrong. I was just inspecting the servants’ quarters, a service I perform from time to time to make sure everyone is happy in their work. Beth turns away, wishing “Mr. Collins” [s.b. “Mr. Quentin”] a cold goodnight. Undeterred, Quentin tells Rachel, You’re looking lovely. If I may say so, you’re one of the most attractive women ever to set foot in the house. Beth’s back is turned, but she lifts her chin. Don’t you agree, Beth? Quentin asks, Stung to jealousy, Beth turns to face them as she says even more coldly, Who am I to disagree? Well said, my dear, Quentin replies. He wishes them both goodnight and leaves.
Rachel tells Beth about seeing the light in the window of the Tower Room, but Beth says it's just a storage room. Beth reminds her, I told you earlier that your curiosity would get you into trouble. Yes, I know, Rachel answers, but something about the house is beginning to disturb me. Forget the Tower Room, Beth warns her. Mr. Collins decided to turn the Tower Room into storage. When you saw me, I was finishing putting some linens into a trunk. She turns down her bed, a clear signal that she wants the conversation to end, but Rachel asks, Weren’t you afraid to go into that room? I was told it was haunted. Who told you that? Beth asks. Quentin, Rachel replies. [Should be Mr. Quentin to you, missy!] Beth warns Rachel, You should never believe anything Quentin tells you. Everything he says is said with only one thing in mind. What is that? asks the innocent Rachel. He likes pretty faces, Beth answers. I don't think I have to tell you any more than that. Rachel gasps and turns away from her, mortified for the second time today.
In the drawing room, Judith celebrates her new status by pouring herself a brandy. She is looking around at everything that now belongs to her when Edward comes grumpily downstairs. He is dressed in his nightgown and robe. Is this to be a feature of the new regime--being roused by a servant in the middle of the night? he asks crossly. Judith replies, I’ve made a decision and want to inform you of it. What was so earth shattering it couldn’t wait until morning? Edward asks. I’ve decided to move into Grandmother’s room, Judith announces--it’s only fitting and proper. And you woke me to tell me about it? Edward asks. I thought you’d want to know about it, Judith replies. How very considerate, he says sarcastically. Do you approve? Judith asks slyly. Edward replies, It’s such a weighty matter, I’ll have to go back upstairs and sleep on it--may I? By all means, Judith replies. Don’t be too upset with me, she mock-pleads. This is all so new to me, I can’t resist making the most of it. You’re doing splendidly, sister, just splendidly! Edward says in disgust and stomps back upstairs.
Entirely disregarding Beth’s advice, Rachel is back in the hallway just outside the Tower Room. Once again she listens at the door. From inside comes a repeated creaking noise. On the inside of the door we see the shadow of a rocking cradle; lying in it is the doll that Beth brought. But who is rocking the cradle?....
