The prologue introduces Becky in 1803, when she is 10 years old and her father is a painting master. In 1813, she leaves Miss Pinkerton's school where she has been taught and helped to teach French. She goes to stay with her friend Amelia Sedley in London for a few days before she takes up her position as a governess. She meets Amelia's brother, Joseph, home from India, who is flattered by her attention. Becky, Jos, Amelia and her beau, George Osborne, go to Vauxhall Gardens, accompanied by Captain William Dobbin. Jos wants to marry Becky, but gets very drunk and starts fighting before he can propose. George is not keen for Jos to marry Becky and frightens him off. Becky immediately leaves Russell Square to take up her appointment with Sir Pitt Crawley. She meets him in London and is shocked to find him living in an old dilapidated house with only the charwoman.