Dorothea’s Assertion of Lydgate’s Innocence
Dorothea greets Lydgate warmly, and when he curtly warns her that he may be forced to leave Middlemarch and cannot advise her to fund the hospital tied to his work, she immediately and firmly assures him that she knows the accusations against him are entirely mistaken, that he has never done anything dishonorable, and that she believes in his innocence without reservation. Her immediate, unqualified trust is the first show of support Lydgate has received since the scandal broke, moving him to deep, quiet gratitude he has never before experienced.
Lydgate’s Explanation of Bulstrode Accusations
Dorothea’s unconditional trust moves Lydgate to open up for the first time about the scandal: he explains that he took a loan from Bulstrode when he was in desperate financial need, even though he regrets the decision now. The public has falsely linked the loan to a claim that Bulstrode bribed him to either neglect a patient or cover up a death; even though a housekeeper confirmed she administered full doses of opium and brandy per Lydgate’s orders, the suspicion persists because it aligns with public assumptions about Bulstrode’s motives and Lydgate’s character, and the vague claim that he accepted a bribe to stay silent cannot be disproven. He says he is effectively ruined in the public eye, like a damaged ear of corn.
Dorothea’s Offer to Clear Lydgate’s Name
Dorothea insists that Lydgate share the full truth with her so they can work together to stop people from believing falsehoods about him. She offers to speak to trusted people in her circle, including Sir James Chettam, her uncle, and Mr. Farebrother, who will all believe her account of his innocence, and says she will take any effort to clear his name, as she has little else of value to do with her time.
Dorothea’s Proposal to Fund the Hospital
Dorothea explains her financial situation to make the case for her funding proposal: she has £700 a year from her personal inheritance, £1900 a year from Casaubon’s estate, and £3000-£4000 in ready cash. She had previously planned to use the money to buy land and found an industrial village school, but her advisers convinced her the plan was too risky, leaving her eager to put her fortune to good use. She proposes funding the new hospital herself, so Lydgate can continue his work there and rebuild his reputation, even if he only has the support of a small, trusted circle at first.
Lydgate’s Revelation of Marital Troubles
Lydgate is initially hesitant to accept the offer, then reveals that his marriage to Rosamond is the core barrier to him staying in Middlemarch or making any long-term plans: Rosamond has set her mind against remaining in the town, is weary of the troubles there, and he cannot bear to make her unhappy by insisting they stay. He admits they have not been able to communicate openly about the scandal, and he is not even sure if Rosamond believes he is innocent, adding to his despair and sense of powerlessness.
Dorothea’s Offer to Visit Rosamond
Dorothea eagerly offers to visit Rosamond to share that Lydgate is innocent, reassure her that fair-minded people believe in Lydgate, and cheer her, hoping that if Rosamond sees there are people who support Lydgate, she may be willing to stay so Lydgate can continue his work. Lydgate agrees, though he asks Dorothea not to mention that he suggested the visit, so Rosamond does not connect it to his wishes.
Lydgate Declines the Hospital Support Plan
After Dorothea argues that Rosamond’s support could allow him to stay and continue his work at the hospital, Lydgate firmly declines the offer to fund and lead the hospital. He says he can no longer trust that he will be able to follow through on any commitments given the uncertainty of his personal life, refuses to let Dorothea tie her resources to his uncertain future, and proposes merging the new hospital with the existing infirmary instead. He says he will send his valuable medical register to a colleague who can make use of it, noting his only priority now is securing a stable income.
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