Allworthy goes into ecstasies rehearsing proofs of Sophia's sincere deference to men, showing her wonderfully suited to the role of wife.
In the same chapter he insists he will honor a woman's right of refusal of a proposed husband, even if the law does not.
For which reason he now rejects the project of marrying Sophia to Blifil.
Bear in mind that arranged marriages were equally an imposition on men.
Marie Antoinette dealt with it much better than her husband, Louis.
But Fielding saw no need to insist upon a man's right of refusal.
Why not?
Book 17, chapter 3, reading Tom Jones.
Update, 6/15/16.
See chapter 4, book 17.
Women are prey, devoured in matrimony, says Fielding.
In the same chapter, Fielding's heroine scoffs at great wealth and nobility.
She never scoffs at wealth sufficient for living without working and nor, of course, does Tom or, for that matter, Allworthy.
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