The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Helen confides in her journal that she hates her husband—he has trampled on her feelings and consigned her to a life of misery. She is annoyed by Hargrave’s pity. When Annabella learns Helen has discovered their affair, she begs her not to tell Lord Lowborough. Helen agrees, but only because she believes that Annabella should break off the alliance and return to her husband. She asks Annabella to leave the house, for she cannot pretend to be civil.

Annabella is insolent to Helen and no longer hides her affection for Huntingdon when Lord Lowborough is not around. Helen fears her afflictions are turning her bitter. Annabella tells Helen that she loves Huntingdon more than Helen does and, where Helen has failed to make him more temperate in his habits, Annabella has succeeded. When Hargrave questions her whether she feels any more loyalty to Huntingdon, or would consider herself free, Helen says he insults her.

December 20, 1824. It is the third anniversary of her marriage, and Helen and her husband live with “no love, friendship, or sympathy between them” (328). When she again proposes a separation, Huntingdon objects on the basis of his reputation.