The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Book 18, Chapter 13 Summary & Analysis

Later that afternoon, Mr. Nightingale has a visit from Mr. Nightingale the elder and Uncle Nightingale. Although the elder Nightingales each used to argue about their children’s marriages, they have come to make amends and agree to have dinner together at Mrs. Miller’s.

As soon as Mrs. Miller sees Sophia that afternoon, she knows that a marriage has been set up with Tom, and she is overjoyed on both their behalf. It becomes a happy gathering of them, Allworthy, Mr. Western, Mr. Nightingale, Mr. Nightingale the elder, and Uncle Nightingale. Mr. Western invites them all to his place again the next afternoon.

The next morning, Sophia and Tom are married in a small, secret ceremony. The narrator concludes by saying that Tom is now, improbably, one of the happiest people there is.

Allworthy cuts ties with Mr. Blifil and simply pays him a  yearly amount. Square dies soon after writing his letter, although Thwackum continues to work. Mrs. Fitzpatrick separates from Mr. Fitzpatrick. Mrs. Western makes peace with Sophia, as does Lady Bellaston. Mr. Nightingale the elder purchases an estate for Mr. Nightingale near Tom. Mrs. Waters receives a small annual stipend from Allworthy and eventually marries Mr. Supple. Black George runs away shortly after he is caught stealing the 500 pounds, and Tom gives the 500 pounds to Black George’s family. Partridge receives money from Tom to start a new school, and there is talk of him marrying Molly.

Two days after Tom and Sophia’s marriage, they return to the country, as do Allworthy and Mr. Western, who both go on to be very generous to the new couple. Sophia has two children, and Tom’s marriage to Sophia has cured him of any of his previous vices. The narrator concludes that they are one of the worthiest, happiest couples in the world.