The Woodlanders

Grace and Dr. Fitzpiers are staying in the best hotel in Sherton, following a two-month honeymoon. While Dr. Fitzpiers is out walking, Grace sees Giles working as a travelling cider maker in the hotel yard. Grace talks to Giles, rekindling some feeling for him, although the situation emphasizes her social superiority, especially the fact that as she says, “I could never have married him” (147). On returning to Hintock and the Melburys’ house, where the couple will now be living, Dr. Fitzpiers goes to visit his deputy in his old residence. He is upset to discover, when he gets back, that Grace is mingling with the local townsfolk, who have come to celebrate her marriage. Dr. Fitzpiers later tells Grace that they should move away from Hintock as quickly as possible. News also arrives that Mrs. Charmond has been in an accident, and Dr. Fitzpiers sets off to assist her.

Rambling near his old house, which is now half-demolished, Giles sees a carriage containing Mrs. Charmond turn on its side. Mrs. Charmond notices him, after the carriage is righted, and asks Giles to send for a doctor to visit her. Giles does this, informing a servant at Mr. Melbury’s house.