The Rainbow: Chapter 14: The Widening Circle Summary & Analysis

While still teaching, Ursula spends time at the Schofields’ farm behind Belcote Hall, where Maggie’s family lives and works. The hall, too damp for occupancy, serves as the backdrop for the family’s caretaker duties, which include farming and tending to the expansive gardens. Ursula enjoys the reverent attention she receives from Maggie’s brothers, particularly Anthony, the head gardener. His quiet admiration for her, reflected in his attentive eyes and gentle demeanor, intrigues Ursula. She enjoys captivating him with her conversation, often feeling a sense of power in knowing she has his attention.

Anthony frequently takes Ursula around the farm, showing her the plants he tends with meticulous care. His slow, deliberate manner of explaining everything fascinates Ursula. Though Anthony is more focused on her than the plants, Ursula finds herself genuinely interested in his work. His steady, almost animalistic gaze excites her, creating a subtle tension in their interactions. Maggie, sensing this growing bond, becomes increasingly reserved, though she never directly addresses her discomfort. Still, Ursula picks up on Maggie’s discomfort and feels guilty about her closeness with Anthony. After spending time with Anthony, Ursula often seeks out Maggie to reaffirm their friendship, but Maggie responds with a cool, distant attitude.

One morning after a snowfall, Ursula and Maggie walk through the wintry landscape. While Maggie reads Coleridge’s Christabel beneath a tree, Ursula perches in the branches, enjoying the crisp air and the serene beauty. As Ursula sits alone, Anthony approaches her. They talk, and Ursula expresses her admiration for the farm. Anthony suggests she could stay with him. He proposes marriage, and Ursula, momentarily caught off guard, feels a mixture of excitement and fear. However, she knows she cannot accept. Although she likes Anthony, she does not love him and cannot envision a life tied to the farm. She gently declines his proposal, explaining that she is meant for something different.

Later, Ursula tells Maggie about Anthony’s proposal and her decision to refuse him. Though Ursula tries to reassure Maggie that she never intended to hurt anyone, Maggie remains distant, clearly affected by the situation. Ursula feels both regret and relief, understanding that she is destined to keep moving forward, unlike Anthony, who is rooted in his life on the farm.

As Ursula’s final year of teaching progresses, her focus shifts increasingly toward her future. During this time, Will takes a new job as an “Art and Handiwork Instructor” for the Nottingham Education Committee. The family moves from Cossethay to a larger house in Beldover, a small industrial town. Though this marks an improvement in status for her family, the new home disappoints Ursula. The red-brick house in the grimy town lacks the elegance and distinction she had hoped for.

Despite her disappointment, Ursula prepares to leave behind her old life. On her last day of teaching, she feels a mixture of triumph and nostalgia. Mr. Harby, who has often been harsh with her, unexpectedly offers kind words and gifts her two books, chosen by Maggie. The gesture is touching to Ursula, who feels pride in the work she has done at the school, despite the challenges she faced. Leaving the school, Ursula feels a rush of excitement about her future. She joins her family in their new home, filled with a sense of adventure. With college ahead, Ursula feels ready to embrace the unknown, leaving her past behind as she looks forward to what lies ahead.