Orley Farm · Chapter
XLIX: Mrs. Furnival Can't Put Up with It explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Furnival, convinced that her husband Mr. Furnival is having an improper relationship with Lady Mason, leaves their home in Harley Street and takes lodgings in Orange Street near Red Lion Square. She writes a letter to her husband explaining her departure, and despite receiving a conciliatory note and a check for fifty pounds from him, she resolves to go to Orley Farm to confront Lady Mason directly.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
Mrs. Furnival believes her husband is deceiving her about his relationship with Lady Mason, while Mr. Furnival's letter attempts to reassure her but is met with disbelief.
Reputation and Scandal
Mrs. Furnival's fear of scandal drives her to leave her home and confront Lady Mason, highlighting the importance of reputation in Victorian society.
Gender and Power
Mrs. Furnival's powerlessness within her marriage is evident as she must rely on her husband's financial support even after leaving him, and her actions are driven by jealousy and suspicion rather than legal recourse.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Furnival
Leaves her home in Harley Street after suspecting her husband of infidelity with Lady Mason; takes lodgings in Orange Street and plans to confront Lady Mason at Orley Farm.
- Martha Biggs
Mrs. Furnival's friend who helps her find lodgings and offers moral support.
- Mr. Furnival
Mrs. Furnival's husband; writes a letter to his wife denying any impropriety with Lady Mason and sends her a check for fifty pounds.
- Lady Mason
The object of Mrs. Furnival's jealousy; seen leaving Mr. Furnival's chambers, which confirms Mrs. Furnival's suspicions.
- Sophia Furnival
Mentioned as the mistress of the house in Harley Street after Mrs. Furnival's departure.
- Rachel
The old female servant of twenty years' standing; entrusted with Mrs. Furnival's letter to her husband.
Key passages
“I shall leave this house today—immediately after breakfast”
I will depart from this residence today, right after breakfast.
Mrs. Furnival announces her decision to leave home to Miss Biggs.
“It is your bounden duty to put down such wicked iniquity as this;—not only for your own sake, but for that of morals in general.”
It is your absolute responsibility to stop this wicked wrongdoing, for your own benefit and for the sake of public morality.
Miss Biggs encourages Mrs. Furnival to take action against her husband's perceived infidelity.
“I will neither eat here, nor sleep here, nor stay here till I know that all this is at an end.”
I will not eat, sleep, or remain in this house until I am certain this situation is resolved.
Mrs. Furnival expresses her determination to leave until the matter with Lady Mason is settled.
“I think you are very foolish. If regard for me had not kept you at home, some consideration with reference to Sophia should have done so.”
I believe you are acting unwisely. If affection for me did not keep you home, you should have stayed for Sophia's sake.
Mr. Furnival's letter to his wife, chiding her for leaving and suggesting she consider their daughter.
“I shall not add to the absurdity of your leaving your own house by any attempt to bring you back again by force.”
I will not make your departure even more ridiculous by trying to force you to return.
Mr. Furnival refuses to use coercion to bring his wife back home.
“She would go down to Orley Farm and she would have an interview with Lady Mason. Perhaps the thing might be stopped in that way.”
She planned to travel to Orley Farm and speak with Lady Mason directly, hoping that might put an end to the affair.
Mrs. Furnival decides to confront Lady Mason at her home.
