Rob now works in the household of Carker the manager, of whom he is in awe. Rob vows he will be obedient, and never eavesdrop. Carker has Mr. Dombey over for breakfast one day. While they talk, Carker looks often at the portrait of the woman who resembles Edith. Dombey asks Carker to speak to Mrs. Dombey about doing what Dombey demands. When Carker considers how Edith might feel about this, Dombey insists that he should be first in Carker’s consideration. He wants Carker to make clear that Dombey objects to her show of devotion to Florence, which will make people notice she does not display affection to him. Carker swears he will be delighted to perform this favor.

As Mr. Dombey is riding into town, he falls from his horse and is injured. Carker rides to Dombey’s house to let them know of the accident, then returns when Dombey is brought home. After addressing Edith, he kisses her hand. She later strikes the marble mantelpiece, bruising the hand he touched.

Florence is hurt to see the estrangement between her father and Edith, and afraid that expressing affection for one will slight the other.