During the week after Catherine and Nelly's previous meeting with Linton, Edgar Linton declines rapidly. Catherine understands that Edgar is near death and struggles to leave Edgar's bedside, but Nelly obtains permission for the promised Thursday ride because Edgar hopes Linton may comfort Catherine after Edgar is gone. Nelly withholds her doubts about Linton from Edgar, not wanting to trouble Edgar's final days.

Catherine and Nelly find Linton waiting on the moor in visible terror. Catherine angrily accuses Linton of summoning Catherine only to distress her, but Linton breaks down, calls himself a coward and traitor, and hints that his father has threatened him. Linton cannot explain fully before Heathcliff appears, questions Nelly about Edgar's condition, and makes clear that Edgar's imminent death matters to Heathcliff's designs.

Heathcliff orders Linton to rise and pressures Catherine to escort Linton back to Wuthering Heights. Linton says Linton cannot re-enter the house without Catherine, and Catherine, moved by Linton's terror, accompanies Linton despite Edgar's prohibition. Once Catherine and Nelly are inside, Heathcliff locks the door, announces that Hareton, Zillah, and Joseph are away, and imprisons the visitors.

Catherine tries to seize the key and leave, but Heathcliff violently beats Catherine and overpowers Nelly when Nelly attempts to intervene. After Heathcliff goes out to seek the horses, Catherine and Nelly discover that the doors and windows offer no escape. Linton, calmer now that Linton has successfully lured them inside, reveals Heathcliff's plan: Catherine and Linton are to be married in the morning before Linton dies, and Catherine may then return to Thrushcross Grange with Linton.

Catherine refuses to abandon Edgar in suspense and begs Heathcliff either to let Catherine go home or send Nelly with word that Catherine is safe. Heathcliff refuses because Edgar's misery pleases Heathcliff and because keeping Catherine captive will force the marriage. Catherine promises to marry Linton if allowed to return afterward, kneels, and appeals to Heathcliff's pity, but Heathcliff rejects Catherine with hatred and contempt.

That evening, servants from Thrushcross Grange come searching for Catherine and Nelly, but Heathcliff intercepts the servants before the captives can call for help. Heathcliff locks Catherine and Nelly upstairs for the night. In the morning, Heathcliff removes Catherine and locks Nelly in alone; Nelly remains imprisoned for five nights and four days, seeing only Hareton, who brings food and refuses to help.