Chapter 4 Summary

Becky Sharp impresses the Sedley family with her kindness while she visits them, enjoying the luxury of life as a guest of Amelia's. She is polite and cordial to the housekeeping staff, and everyone adores her. Becky puts on great shows of emotion and flirts with Joseph, who remains shy and nervous around her. With Mr. and Mrs. Sedley's permission, the girls arrange to go on a trip to Vauxhall (The Royal Gardens) with Joseph and George Osborne as chaperones. Amelia blushes at the mention of George's name. In their bedroom, Mr. and Mrs. Sedley discuss the obvious advances Becky makes toward Joseph.

The trip to Vauxhall is cancelled by an unexpected thunderstorm, and the two gentlemen drink wine and entertain the girls with stories of their youth. George Osborne is Mr. Sedley's godson and is practically a member of the family. Becky...