Jos Sedley returned to India after his adventures in Brussels. He sent a small amount of money to his parents to maintain their modest little house in Fulham.

The Sedley household lived in a very small way. Old Mr Sedley tried various little business schemes in an effort to recover his fortune, but all of them came to nothing. Amelia herself had no thoughts for anything except her son.

The family received few visitors now that Dobbin was abroad again, although the local curate at the church where they worshipped called quite often. People said the reason for his calls was Amelia, but she took little notice of the young man.

The years went by, and George grew into a healthy young boy. He was full of energy, and everyone said he looked just like his father.

Old Sir Pitt Crawley died, to the relief of all his family. He had become increasingly eccentric in his final years, and his behaviour had been a scandal throughout the county. His son, Pitt, inherited the property and the title, and as he had already inherited Miss Crawley's fortune, he was now a man of substance and importance. His thoughts turned to a career in politics.

Rawdon and Becky were, of course, invited to attend the old man's funeral at Queen's Crawley. Becky received the invitation with delight.

'Why are you so happy about it?' Rawdon asked in astonishment. 'There's no money coming to me from my father's death. You don't really want to go, do you?'

'Of course we're going!' Becky cried. 'Lady Jane shall present me at Court next year, and Pitt will give you a seat in Parliament!'

'What about little Rawdy - is he coming with us?' Rawdon asked tenderly. He did not like being parted from his son for more than a few days.

'No,' said Becky, 'he can stay here with Briggs - she'll look after him.' The faithful Briggs had come to work for the young couple after Miss Crawley's death.

The visit was a great success for Becky. She behaved herself with modesty and tact in front of the new Sir Pitt Crawley, and flattered his political ambitions. She talked sentimentally about her son in front of the kind-hearted Lady Jane, and won that lady's friendship. With Lady Jane's mother, the Countess of Southdown, she talked religion.

Amelia, meanwhile, wrote regularly to Major Dobbin, who was with the army in India. She gave him all the news about Georgy. She also visited his sisters sometimes. One day the sisters told her some important news.

'William's getting married.'