# IX: Mrs. Wortle and Mr. Puddicombe explained — Dr. Wortle’s School > Chapter companion for Dr. Wortle’s School by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens After Mr. Peacocke confesses his situation to Dr. Wortle, the Doctor is deeply troubled and seeks counsel from his wife and Mr. Puddicombe. Mrs. Wortle, though sympathetic, insists that the Peacockes must leave, fearing scandal and the loss of the school's reputation. Dr. Wortle struggles between his conscience and his duty to his parish and school, ultimately deciding to consult Mr. Puddicombe. ## Themes in this chapter ### Moral Hypocrisy Mrs. Wortle's insistence on propriety despite her sympathy highlights societal hypocrisy. ### Integrity and Conscience Dr. Wortle's internal conflict between his conscience and his duty reflects the theme of integrity. ## Character check-ins ### Dr. Wortle Torn between his sympathy for Mr. Peacocke and his duty to his parish and school; decides to consult Mr. Puddicombe. ### Mrs. Wortle Sympathetic but firm in her belief that the Peacockes must leave to avoid scandal. ### Mr. Peacocke Resigned to leaving Bowick, believing it is inevitable and proper. ### Mrs. Peacocke Expresses her willingness to stay despite the potential shame, but understands they must go. ### Mr. Puddicombe Agrees to preach and visit the Doctor, becoming the confidant for the troubling story. ## Key lines > He could not bring his conscience and his inclination to come square together. He was unable to reconcile his moral duty with his personal feelings. _Dr. Wortle's internal struggle._ > A woman should not live with a man unless she be his wife. A woman must not cohabit with a man without being legally married. _Mrs. Wortle's firm stance on social propriety._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_wortle_s_school_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-mrs-wortle-and-mr-puddicombe - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_wortle_s_school_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dr_wortle_s_school_se/chapters