Love vs. Duty

Where it surfaces

• After the Ball

  Talbot struggles between his attraction to Aurora and his rational ideal of a dutiful, gentle wife like Lucy.

• Rejected and Accepted

  Talbot struggles between his passion for Aurora and his sense of duty and suspicion.

• Poor John Mellish Comes Back Again

  Talbot Bulstrode grapples with his love for Aurora and the duty he feels toward Lucy Floyd, whose secret affection for him is revealed. He also prays earnestly in church, fearing his happiness may be too great.

• How Talbot Bulstrode Spent His Christmas

  Talbot's sense of honour and duty compels him to break off the engagement despite his deep love for Aurora.

• Fighting the Battle

  Aurora and Talbot are separated by duty and pride, while John Mellish's love is tempered by his duty to respect Aurora's feelings.

• At the Château d’Arques

  Aurora struggles between her lingering feelings for Talbot and her sense of duty to her father and to John Mellish, who has been so devoted.

• The Spring Meeting

  Aurora's love for John Mellish contrasts with her past attachment to Talbot Bulstrode, highlighting the tension between romantic love and marital duty.

• Love Took Up the Glass of Time, and Turned It in His Glowing Hands

  Talbot struggles between his lingering love for Aurora and his duty to move on, ultimately choosing a practical marriage with Lucy.

• Out in the Rain

  John's unconditional love contrasts with Aurora's secret obligations.

• Still Constant

  John's love for Aurora conflicts with his duty to protect his household from scandal.

• On the Threshold of Darker Miseries

  John's love for Aurora compels him to trust her despite his doubts, while Aurora feels duty-bound to protect him from the truth.

• XXVIII: Aurora’s Flight

  Aurora's love for John and her father conflicts with her duty to confess; she chooses to flee rather than face the consequences.

• John Mellish Finds His Home Desolate

  John Mellish forgives Aurora despite the shame, prioritizing his love over societal expectations.

• An Unexpected Visitor

  Aurora's love for John compels her to leave him, believing it is her duty to spare him the social shame of her secret.

• Talbot Bulstrode's Advice

  Aurora struggles between her love for John and her sense of duty to sacrifice her own happiness for his sake, seeking Talbot's advice as an arbiter.

• Reunion

  John's love for Aurora conflicts with his duty to confront the murder investigation and clear her name.