Catherine considers the discussions she has heard between Eleanor and Henry about the unlikelihood that General Tilney will accept Isabella as Captain Tilney’s wife, and she wonders if she will have to endure a similar fate. If the general turns down Isabella because of a lack of family status and wealth, surely he will also not approve of Catherine, who is even poorer. She also believes that Henry should tell his father about his opinions of Isabella so the general will have time to ponder the situation before Captain Tilney arrives. This will give the general time to objectively reflect on the topic and possibly prepare his case for or against Isabella on more suitable grounds—not based on status and money. Henry disagrees. He believes his brother must submit his own explanation for his engagement as well as the merits of his chosen bride. Henry thinks it very curious that his brother has not yet come home to announce his plans. Neither Eleanor nor Henry understand the meaning behind Frederick’s delay.

The general, not knowing any of the news about Frederick’s engagement, is in a generous mood. He mentions that he would have liked to have given a ball for Catherine or a dinner party. However, most of his neighbors are away, so he dismisses those ideas. Instead, he offers a ride over to Woodston, where the Tilneys own a parsonage, which has already been given to Henry.

Catherine is excited about going some place different. Although Catherine had never imagined it would, the abbey has become rather familiar and ordinary by now. Henry leaves to make sure the parsonage is running smoothly and to buy all the provisions necessary for a family dinner. Catherine is surprised when Henry says he must leave. The general had told Henry not to fuss over dinner, that anything ordinary would do. Henry has a better understanding of his father and insinuates that the general did not mean what he said. General Tilney is a very picky eater.

Finally Eleanor, Catherine, and the general begin the twenty-mile journey to the parsonage, which is in a small village called Woodston. Catherine is impressed and tells Eleanor and the general that Woodston is one of the nicest small towns she has ever seen. She is likewise pleased with the parsonage. Henry greets them at the front of the house with two of his dogs and gives them a tour. Both the inside and outside of the house are notable in Catherine’s mind. When they end up in one of the nicest rooms, one with long windows that extend to the floor, Catherine asks why this room is empty. The general answers that the furnishings are waiting for a woman’s touch.

After dinner, as they are driving back to the abbey, Catherine goes over the events of the day. The general has been so nice to her, so reassuring, that if she could feel as confident about Henry’s affection for her as she does the general’s, she would have left the cottage at Woodston with little anxiety about whether she would return.