Far From the Madding Crowd: Chapter 49 Summary & Analysis

As winter goes on, Bathsheba reaches a mood of calm, though not peace: she feels pain that Troy is not still hers. She’s lost interest in the farm, but keeps it going out of instinct. She does install Gabriel as bailiff to take on what she no longer cares to do.

Boldwood lives secluded: it’s whispered that forgetfulness has nothing to do with the strange neglect that has led to the ruin of his crops. Finally Boldwood calls for Gabriel and suggests he take over supervision of his farm as well. At first Bathsheba objects, though languidly, that it’s too much, but Boldwood insists. Gabriel grows wealthier and more handsome than ever, though some whisper that he’s cheap—he lives in no better style than before. But he cares little for public opinion and is a man of habit.

Boldwood, meanwhile, has begun to nourish a renewed hope regarding Bathsheba, who has now been persuaded to wear mourning clothes. He hopes she might be chastened from her past, and willing to marry him, in the future, if she marries anyone again. He gets his chance during the haymaking, where he asks after Bathsheba to Liddy. He awkwardly gets around to asking if she ever considers marrying again. She never alludes to it, Liddy says, thinking Boldwood is acting stupidly, but then says she once supposed she might marry after seven years. When Liddy asks if Boldwood has talked to her about it, he reddens, then goes away, ashamed at himself.