Northanger Abbey

Catherine and the Tilneys depart for Northanger Abbey. Henry and Eleanor are kind to her, as they usually are, but the General keeps checking in to make sure she is comfortable—which, ironically, makes her uncomfortable. Catherine feels better once she shares a carriage with just Eleanor; she notices that Henry and Eleanor behave differently when their father is around. The General dominates conversation and seems to dampen the Tilneys’ moods. After they make a brief stop to eat, the General suggests Catherine ride with Henry the rest of the way. Catherine recalls Mr. Allen’s assertion that riding alone with a gentleman was improper, but she feels confident the General would not encourage her to do something inappropriate. Catherine enjoys riding with Henry and finds his driving more pleasant than John’s. Henry says he is glad Catherine is with them since Eleanor does not have a female companion and is often left alone when the General travels. Catherine is surprised to learn that Henry has a parsonage house at Woodston, approximately twenty miles away from Northanger Abbey.

Henry gently teases Catherine for her high opinion of the Abbey and for her belief it will be just like something out of a novel.