Rob Roy | Chapter 2 Summary

As a consequence of Dubourg’s not reporting faithfully Frank’s inattention to his duties, Osbaldistone intends to fire him, as well as his son who is working the office. Frank objects to this, saying that it is he himself who is to blame and his inability to learn, rather than the fault of Dubourg, who was charged to instruct.

Osbaldistone asks to see Frank’s journal, in which he is to keep track of his activities in the business. He is generally pleased, until a copy of a poem falls out, which angers him even further.

When asked what he wants to do, Frank states that he would like to travel for a few years, or possibly go to school at Oxford or Cambridge. Osbaldistone condemns these places as seats of the "Jacobites," (supporters of the Catholic James II, pretender to the throne of England).

Osbaldistone threatens to disinherit Frank, and pass the business on to one of his nephews, the sons of his Catholic brother. Osbaldistone had left his home as a youth and has never returned, but he would rather see one of his relatives have the business, if Frank refuses it.

Osbaldistone relents enough to give Frank a month to make his decision. At the end of this time, however, Frank is still of the same mind. Therefore, Osbaldistone states that Frank will leave the next morning for his uncle’s home in York, Obaldistone Hall, to prepare the youngest son of Osbaldistone’s brother to take over the business and thus the inheritance, which will now not go to Frank.