CHAPTER VII ‘The Jupiter’

Eleanor Harding’s departure from John Bold was marked by a conflict of pride and affection. Despite distancing herself from Bold, whose actions challenged her father’s position as Warden of the Barchester Hospital, Eleanor’s heart was not at ease. Her father had assured her of Bold’s intentions being neither unjust nor ungenerous, yet she struggled with her resolve, torn between her affection for Bold and the duty to stand by her father. This inner turmoil contrasted sharply with her outward display of firmness. Bold, consumed by his task and the complications arising from his pursuit of reform, was equally tormented by the prospect of losing Eleanor and the moral implications of his crusade.

The controversy stirred by Bold’s challenge had engulfed Barchester, with key figures like the bishop, the archdeacon, and others actively preparing to defend the status quo. The case had attracted significant attention, culminating in a damning critique by ‘The Jupiter’, a prominent newspaper, which accused the Warden of Barchester of financial impropriety and moral indifference. The article sparked widespread indignation, framing Mr. Harding as a figure of ecclesiastical greed, benefiting unduly from a charity meant for the poor. This portrayal deeply troubled Mr. Harding, who found himself at a loss on how to defend his integrity against such a widely read and influential publication.

The archdeacon discouraged any direct response to ‘The Jupiter’, fearing further ridicule and misunderstanding. The situation highlighted the power of the press in shaping public opinion, especially on matters of ecclesiastical conduct, and underscored the vulnerability of individuals caught in its focus. Despite the personal distress it caused Mr. Harding, the article was a victory for Bold and his attorney, Finney, who saw it as a validation of their cause and a potential catalyst for broader reform.

The old bedesmen of the hospital, spurred on by the article and their adviser Abel Handy, began to envision a future of increased prosperity, driven by a newfound advocate in ‘The Jupiter’. As their expectations grew, so did their discontent with the current state, marking the beginning of what appeared to be an imminent and turbulent change. This development deeply concerned the more reflective among them, like Bunce, who foresaw troubling times ahead, recognizing the potentially destructive force of the conflict that was unfolding.