Mr. Linkinwater delivers an invitation from the Cheerybles to have dinner with them. Miss La Creevy is also invited . Mrs. Nickleby believes there is a reason for it. She believes it means Nicholas is to become a partner.
Kate feels embarrassed, knowing the brothers are aware of what has happened between her and Frank. She is upset that Madeline has only written one letter and seems to have forgotten her. Charles tells Kate there is a letter from Madeline in the other room.
Charles tells Mrs. Nickleby that they gave an earlier time than dinner would be served because there is business to discuss. Charles summons Nicholas into another room where Frank is waiting, and Ned is left to entertain the ladies.
Charles produces a copy of Madeline’s grandfather’s will. He had disowned her when she refused to give up her father. However, he reconsidered and made a new will. Some fraud had prevented it from being known. An old will was administered where it left the inheritance to a charitable institution. However, her fortunes have been restored after the matter was brought to light.
Chalres asks Frank if he wants to marry Madeline, but Frank says no. He believes her heart belongs to someone else. Charles confirms this. Madeline loves Nicholas. He also knows that Frank loves Kate, and he chides him for not coming to his uncles sooner. However, he blesses both unions. While he appreciates Nicholas and Kate’s reasons for refusing to marry, the Cheerybles were once poor men too. Their riches haven’t changed them, and they are pleased with both Madeline’s and Frank’s choices.
Ned has already told Mrs. Nickleby and Miss La Creevy, who are crying joyfully. Kate found Madeline in the other room instead of a letter.
Tim asks Miss La Creevy to marry him. Newmann Noggs is also there, dressed in the clothes of a gentleman.
The group enjoys a happy dinner.
Afterwards, Mrs. Nickleby claims she is disgusted by Tim Linkinwater’s proposal to Miss La Creevy. She thinks Tim is foolish, and she thinks Miss La Creevy was very improper.