Thank goodness for a sexless marriage.

At the beginning of today's section (pages 503-504), Celia and James are discussing the new baby and Dorothea's situation. Celia says, "And if she had a baby, it never could have been such a dear as Arthur. Could it, James?" He replies, "Not if it had been like Casaubon." There is so much truth in this statement. Trying to imagine the child of Dorothea and Casaubon is almost painful. That kid would most likely be a miniature of his father- uptight, rude, snobbish. On the other hand, he could completely reject his father after seeing the interactions between his parents. Kids are surprisingly perceptive. I think Casaubon Jr. would notice how Casaubon Sr. treats Dorothea. He would probably also notice how Will Ladislaw treats her, and perhaps he would find a fondness for Will (I know I have, teehee). He might even consider Will to be more like a father than Casaubon. Either way, whether he's a Casaubon clone or just simply confused about his parents, I think it's better that he was never born in the first place.

Side note: I keep trying to combine "Casaubon" and "Dorothea" to give this kid a name, kind of like how Brad and Angelina became "Brangelina." So what do you think? Casauthea? Dorobon? Any thoughts? :)