When accusations begin to fly at the meeting, Bulstrode faints. Lydgate sees him home, assuring his wife that it is only stress from work. Lydgate curses his luck. Just when he felt that he was making progress, he falls on even worse luck. He fears that, not only is his reputation irreparably damaged, but also this incident will seriously cripple his marriage.
The author points out that the Middlemarch wives soon learn any gossip that flies around town, even when it involves their own husbands. The ladies gather to discuss the gossip for themselves. They recognize that Rosamond has been trying to maintain the lifestyle she enjoyed at her parents' house, though Lydgate cannot provide for it. Some of the ladies support her divorcing Lydgate, and they all pity her lot in life.
Mrs. Bulstrode,.....
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