# XXXIV explained — The Woodlanders

> Chapter companion for The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy.

## What happens

Fitzpiers returns from London to find Grace away visiting a friend. He learns of Mrs. Charmond's imminent departure for the Continent and, unable to resist, rides to the Manor House. Meanwhile, Melbury returns from fetching Grace, discovers Fitzpiers's absence, and follows him to the Manor House, where he witnesses Fitzpiers and Mrs. Charmond slipping out together.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Fitzpiers's ongoing affair with Mrs. Charmond strains his marriage to Grace, while Melbury's protective actions highlight the conflict between marital duty and personal desire.

### Isolation and Community

Fitzpiers feels isolated in his empty home and seeks connection with Mrs. Charmond, while the community's gossip about her departure underscores the tension between individual actions and social judgment.

## Character check-ins

### Edgar Fitzpiers

Returns from London, learns of Grace's absence and Mrs. Charmond's planned departure, then rides to the Manor House.

### Grace Melbury

Away visiting a friend at Shottsford-Forum; unwell, her father arranges for her return.

### George Melbury

Returns from fetching Grace, follows Fitzpiers to the Manor House, and witnesses his encounter with Mrs. Charmond.

### Felice Charmond

Decides to leave for the Continent; is seen slipping out of the Manor House with Fitzpiers.

### Marty South

Gives Fitzpiers a letter revealing she is the original owner of Mrs. Charmond's hair.

### Mrs. Melbury

Informs Melbury of Fitzpiers's likely visit to the Manor House.

## Key lines

> What it will cost! she said. I don't care what it costs! he exclaimed, testily. I was determined to get her home.

Mrs. Melbury worries about the expense of the carriage, but Melbury insists that bringing Grace home is worth any cost.

_Melbury's determination to protect his daughter overrides financial concerns._

> A sort of sorrow in her face, as if she reproached her own soul.

The gossip describes Mrs. Charmond as looking sorrowful, as if she were blaming herself.

_Fitzpiers overhears this description and is moved by pity for Felice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woodlanders_se/chapters/xxxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woodlanders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_woodlanders_se/chapters