Caleb's mind filled with an unbidden image of her in the parlor of the grand house in Fox Chapel, wearing silks and satins and graciously greeting his guests of an evening. He'd be the envy of every man north of the Mason-Dixon line. He shook off the idea. He was looking for another mistress, not a wife.
Caleb envisions a romanticized image of a woman he desires, picturing her elegantly dressed in a luxurious setting, charming his guests during social gatherings. This ideal moment sparks thoughts of admiration and envy from other men, highlighting the allure of a refined life. Yet, despite this daydream, he quickly dismisses the fantasy.
He reminds himself of his current intentions; he is searching for a mistress rather than a lifelong partner. This internal conflict captures Caleb's struggle between longing for companionship and the desire to avoid the commitments of marriage.