Middlemarch: Book 3, Chapter 30 Summary & Analysis

Casaubon recovers within a few days, but Lydgate remains worried and stresses that Casaubon needs to stop working so hard. Casaubon protests that this will be miserable, and Lydgate commiserates. Lydgate speaks with Dorothea, assuring her that Casaubon’s health is improving. He tells her that it is possible that Casaubon might live for another 15 years, provided that he is “careful against mental agitation of all kinds.” He suggests travel, mentioning the trip to Rome, but Dorothea immediately replies that this would not work. She pleads for Lydgate’s advice, imploring him to consider Casaubon’s attachment to his work.  

Lydgate feels he cannot answer, and so he leaves. Dorothea sobs and returns to Casaubon’s study, where she finds the letters from Will, which she decides to tidy away so Casaubon will not see them and get upset again. She reads Will’s letter to her husband. Will reiterates his plan to become financially independent on returning to England, and adds that Naumann has requested that a painting he made for Casaubon be brought to him at Lowick—hence Will’s plan to visit. Dorothea gives the letters to Mr. Brooke, asking him to write and explain that Casaubon is too ill for visitors.

Mr. Brooke writes a long letter complimenting Will and explaining that he cannot come to Lowick. However, Brooke then suggests that Will come to stay at Tipton instead, as Brooke is interested in discussing politics with him. He sends the letter without telling Dorothea, who is busy tending to Casaubon.