Way of the Spirit

Even in the modern-day 21st century, it can be a difficult situation for a husband to be in love with a woman who just happens not to be his wife. For the Victorian/Edwardian gentleman, however, especially for one of a highly moral and religious bent, the situation must have been even harder, particularly if that man were a well-known and highly respected public figure. And yet, that is exactly the lot that befell renowned British author H. Rider Haggard. It seems that Haggard initially met the love of his life, Lilly Jackson, in the late 1870s while working in the Transvaal. Forbidden by his father to marry the older woman until he'd made something of himself, Haggard returned to England, and Lilly married a well-to-do banker. Later in life, Haggard, now married to a woman named Louisa (Margitson) and a highly successful writer, came to Lilly's aid when her wealthy husband left her. Haggard bought her a house, paid for her kids' education, and paid her bills when she contracted syphilis...but despite his deep love for Lilly, remained steadfastly faithful to his wife. And it was this state of torn feelings and platonic love that apparently led Haggard to write so often of heroes tempted by two very different women, most especially in his 1890 novel "Beatrice" and, as it turns out, in "The Way of the Spirit."