Middlemarch

CHAPTER LVIII.

This chapter, titled “CHAPTER LVIII,” opens with a Shakespearean epigraph about a face that conceals true feelings behind sweet appearances. The chapter traces how Rosamond Vincy’s desire for social elevation through her husband’s cousin, Captain Lydgate, leads her to defy her husband’s wishes about horseback riding, resulting in a tragic accident and the loss of her baby. The episode opens Lydgate’s eyes to the growing gulf between his wife’s values and his own, culminating in his recognition that he is sinking into debt due to their mutually extravagant household expectations.

Shakespearean Epigraph

The chapter begins with a quotation from Shakespeare’s Sonnets, describing a beloved whose face never reveals what is in her heart, maintaining only sweetness whatever her true feelings. The verses suggest that all moods and frowns are absent, and that heaven decreed that “sweet love should ever dwell” in the expression, regardless of inner thoughts.

The Tragic Ride

The chapter connects back to Mr. Vincy’s earlier presentiment about Rosamond, noting that she had not yet faced such an appeal because she had experienced no anxiety about money. Her married life had been expensive and eventful, culminating in the birth of a premature baby after she had insisted on riding her horse despite her husband’s wishes. The misfortune was attributed to this ride, though Rosamond had shown no overt temper about it.

Captain Lydgate’s Visit

Captain Lydgate, the baronet’s third son, visits the household. Tertius Lydgate detests him as a vapid fop with a ridiculous hairstyle and an ignorant confidence in his opinions. Lydgate inwardly curses his own folly for having drawn down this visit by visiting his uncle on his wedding trip, and his displeasure makes him somewhat disagreeable to Rosamond by sharing his annoyance privately.

Rosamond’s Social Ambitions

For Rosamond, the Captain’s visit is a source of concealed exultation. She is intensely conscious of having a baronet’s son staying in her house and imagines everyone senses the social importance of his presence. His rank seems to permeate her drawing room like an odor. The visit also brings Mrs. Mengan, the Captain’s married sister, to stay two nights. Rosamond is encouraged to take pains with her music and lace, and begins to envision future letters and visits with Quallingham.

A Dispute Over the Captain

As to the Captain himself, his low brow, aquiline nose, and heavy speech might have been disadvantages in a young man without his military bearing and mustache. He possesses high-breeding free from middle-class anxiety and is a great critic of feminine charms. Rosamond delights in his admiration, and he spends hours flirting with her. Lydgate, who would rather die than fail in hospitality, suppresses his dislike and pretends not to hear what the Captain says, leaving Rosamond to answer.

The Death of a Dream

Rosamond reproaches Lydgate for not talking more to the Captain at dinner, noting that he looks absent and seems to stare through the Captain’s head. Lydgate bluntly replies that he will not talk to “such a conceited ass.” Rosamond defends the Captain as “a thorough gentleman” and suggests Lydgate should treat him with respect for Sir Godwin’s sake. Lydgate remarks that she would wish him to be more like the Captain, and this exchange becomes a milestone marking how far Lydgate has travelled from his old dreamland where Rosamond would have revered his wisdom.

An Acceptable Stupidity

Although Rosamond had grown bored with Mr. Ned Plymdale’s conversation, she finds Captain Lydgate’s stupidity quite acceptable. His foolishness is delicately scented, carries itself with “style,” speaks with a good accent, and is closely related to Sir Godwin. Rosamond finds it agreeable and adopts many of his phrases.

The Gentle Gray

Since Rosamond is fond of riding, she is tempted to resume it when Captain Lydgate offers to let her ride the gentle gray he had bought for his sister and was transporting to Quallingham. Rosamond rides out the first time without telling her husband and returns before him. She declares the ride a great success and informs him of it expecting his consent for future rides.