Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life

As the war nears its end, Orwell wants to adopt a son. Eileen is initially uncertain; she is worried that she won’t love an adopted child as she would have loved her own biological children. However, they do adopt a son, Richard Horatio Blair; the infant’s his mother is a patient of Gwen’s and gives him up for adoption. Eileen picks Richard up from the hospital by herself and falls in love with him. Orwell is entranced with his new son, and Lydia reports that Eileen and Orwell are now happier than she has ever seen them. While Eileen continues working, she brings Richard to stay with Gwen, who has a household staff.

Although Richard’s arrival, the end of the war, and the writing of Animal Farm have collectively created harmony and intimacy between Eileen and Orwell, Orwell continues pursuing questionable affairs and engaging in notable absences. After they bring Richard home, Eileen is more committed to maintaining her health. However, her uterine problems intensify, and she goes with Richard to Gwen’s family house to recover. The adoption hearing takes place while she is still ill, but Orwell leaves before the hearing to see the end of the war in Europe.