Middlemarch

CHAPTER LXXXI.

Chapter LXXXI follows Dorothea Casaubon’s visit to Rosamond Lydgate, where Rosamond makes a heartfelt confession and Dorothea responds with deep sympathy. The chapter traces the emotional exchange between the two women, Lydgate’s return home, Dorothea’s departure, and ends with a tender reconciliation between the Lydgates.

Rosamond’s Confession to Dorothea

Rosamond delivers her soul under impulses previously unknown to her, beginning her confession under the subduing influence of Dorothea’s emotion. As she speaks, she gathers a sense of repelling Will Ladislaw’s reproaches, which still feel like a knife-wound within her.

Dorothea’s Profound Sympathy for Rosamond

Dorothea experiences a powerful revulsion of feeling that is too strong to be called joy, complicated by the terrible strain of the night and morning. She can only perceive that this would be joy once she has recovered her power of feeling it, and her immediate consciousness becomes one of immense, unchecked sympathy for Rosamond.

Dorothea Reassures Rosamond of Lydgate’s Affection

Responding earnestly to Rosamond’s words, Dorothea reassures her that Lydgate cannot reproach her any more. With her usual tendency to over-estimate the good in others, Dorothea feels a great outgoing of her heart toward Rosamond for the generous effort that has redeemed her from suffering, without counting that the effort was merely a reflex of Dorothea’s own energy.

Rosamond Confesses Her Unhappiness

After a period of silence, Rosamond confirms that she is grateful Dorothea came, calling her very good. Rosamond admits she had not expected such goodness, and confesses that she was very unhappy, is not happy now, and finds that everything feels so sad.

Dorothea Urges Rosamond to Hold Lydgate’s Love

Dorothea encourages Rosamond by assuring her that better days will come, that her husband will be rightly valued, and that he depends on her for comfort. She emphasizes that Lydgate loves her best and that the worst loss would be to lose that love, which Rosamond has not lost. Dorothea tries to thrust away her own overwhelming sense of relief in order to win some sign that Rosamond’s affection is turning back toward her husband.

Rosamond Questions Lydgate’s Criticism of Her

Rosamond asks whether Tertius did not find fault with her, now understanding that Lydgate might have said anything to Mrs. Casaubon and that Dorothea is certainly different from other women. Perhaps tinged with a faint taste of jealousy, the question prompts a smile from Dorothea, who firmly denies that Lydgate found any fault.

Lydgate Returns to Check on the Two Women

Lydgate returns, saying he came back in his capacity as doctor, haunted by two pale faces: both Mrs. Casaubon and Rosamond looked in need of care. He confesses he had not done his duty in leaving them together, and after visiting Coleman’s he came home again. He notices Dorothea walking and the changing sky, offering to send someone to order her carriage.

Dorothea Departs After Quiet Farewell

Dorothea declines the offer of the carriage, saying she is strong and needs the walk. She remarks that she and Mrs. Lydgate have chatted a great deal and it is time for her to go, self-deprecatingly noting she has always been accused of being immoderate and saying too much. She and Rosamond share an earnest, quiet good-by without kiss or show of effusion, as too much serious emotion has passed between them for superficial signs.

Dorothea Updates Lydgate on Supportive Friends

As Lydgate walks Dorothea to the door, she says nothing about Rosamond but instead tells him of Mr. Farebrother and the other friends who had listened with belief to his story, updating him on the supportive network rallying around him.

Rosamond and Lydgate’s Tender Reconciliation

When Lydgate returns to Rosamond, she has thrown herself on the sofa in resigned fatigue. Their conversation turns to Dorothea, and Rosamond admits her husband must think Mrs. Casaubon better than anyone, with a hint of jealousy about his frequent visits. Lydgate laughs and asks whether Dorothea has made Rosamond any less discontented with him, to which she replies affirmatively. As she reaches up to push his hair back and notices how heavy his eyes are, both feel a moment of tenderness. Rosamond’s vagrant fancy returns meekly to nestle under the old shelter of their marriage, and Lydgate accepts his narrowed lot with sad resignation, resolved to carry the burden of her life pitifully.