Middlemarch

Fred remains troubled by his debt. His creditor is Mr. Bambridge, a horse-dealer who often lends money to hedonistic young men. Fred owes him £160, and three months ago he renewed the debt with the signature of Caleb Garth. Fred has thus far felt completely confident that he will be able to pay back the debt, having always been able to rely on his father’s money. Having grown up rather spoiled, he doesn’t know much about the value of money or how rich Mr. Vincy actually is.

The Garths have always felt great affection for Fred and Rosamond. Before marrying Mrs. Vincy’s sister, Mr. Featherstone had been married to Caleb Garth’s sister, thereby creating a connection between the Garths and Vincys. Fred has always adored Mary and treated the Garths’ house as his “second home.” The Garths used to be much wealthier than they are now. The Garths are known for living “in a small way.” Caleb was more than happy to renew Fred’s debt for him, although Mrs. Garth never found out.

While all this is going on, Fred fails his exam, which makes it even worse that he racked up such serious debts in college. Yet his family members are somewhat lenient because they think he will be the main recipient of Featherstone’s estate. The narrator observes that rich young men are often treated with more forgiveness for misuse of money than poor people who steal because they are starving. Fred is not a compulsive gambler, but his optimistic spirit, enjoyment of games, and desire for money lead him to betting.

Years ago Featherstone gave Fred a horse, and in his desperation to pay his debt Fred tries to sell the horse, even though it is a treasured and useful possession. He rides to the Houndsley horse fair accompanied by Bambridge and Horrock, the Middlemarch vet. Fred’s fondness for these two men is puzzling, considering he is generally a rather refined, snooty person who looks down on those who aren’t university-educated. Horrock is known as a drunk who beats his wife. He indulges in every kind of pleasure, which makes him “a gay companion.”

The night before the fair begins, a farmer who knows Bambridge explains that he is selling a hunting horse named Diamond. Fred decides to persuade the farmer to swap horses with him, with Fred throwing in an extra £25. He knows he will be able to sell Diamond, who is much superior to his own horse, for at least £80. He ends up completing the swap and giving the farmer only an extra £30. He immediately heads home.