Denied his expected inheritance, George lashes out violently at Kate and becomes increasingly isolated as his election expenses exhaust his resources, while his discovery that John has secretly helped resolve Alice’s financial obligations intensifies his jealousy and hostility. Alice finally recognizes the full extent of George’s selfishness and violence and ends their engagement, while John responds not with revenge but with continued protection, leaving open the possibility that their former relationship might be restored. After realizing how close he came to losing Glencora, Plantagenet sacrifices the political opportunity he has long desired and decides to take his wife abroad, with Alice accompanying them on their European journey. As Mrs Greenow’s rivalry of suitors also approaches its conclusion, the three women whose choices shape the novel begin confronting the consequences of passion, ambition, and the decisions they have made.
