When George Meredith wrote Lord Ormont and His Aminta, he focused on a theme he would use again: incompatibility in marriage. Many critics considered it a slight work; some felt Meredith wrote it during a break after the far more demanding One of Our Conquerors (1891). The novel appeared first as a serial in The Pall Mall and focused on the failure of a one-time military hero, also a member of the aristocracy, to move beyond the past and develop relationships with others. He wastes his prospects while playing at revolt against the expectations of the upper class to which he clearly belongs.

The novel opens with two of its main characters in childhood. Aminta and Matthew “Matie” Weyburn both admire Lord Ormont as a champion for England in adventures in India. The aging Lord Ormont later marries the romantic and lovely but “common” Aminta at the embassy in Madrid, then refuses to introduce her to London high society. His refusal is based mostly on what he perceives as a slight when his culture seems to ignore his due as a military star. Meredith supposedly based Ormont on a melding of two real-life ex-military men: the earl of Peterborough, dubbed the last of the knights errant, and the earl of Cardigan, who led the light brigade at Balaclava. Ormont’s staged revolt appears ludicrous, emphasizing his class position rather than marginalizing it, and symbolizing the frustration of those caught within the mores of the class to which they so badly want to belong.

Lonely, embarrassed, and disillusioned with Ormont, Aminta finds her own friends among a scandalous group, which includes Morsfield, a particularly hateful individual. Ormont does nothing to “validate” the marriage that many, including his sister, Lady Constance Eglett, doubt ever took place; they view Aminta as no more than a mistress to Ormont. When Matie Weyburn turns up to work on putting Ormont’s library in order, he renews his relationship with Aminta, taking steps to separate her from Morsfield’s harmful influence. When Ormont recognizes Weyburn’s efforts on behalf of his wife, he acknowledges her value and decides to return to his social circles with his wife on his arm. However, she has fallen in love with Weyburn, returning his affections.

Not only does Aminta find Weyburn’s romantic passion desirable, she also finds attractive the partnership, based on his consideration of her as an equal. Matie’s respect for Aminta helps her regain her dignity and leave a farewell note for Ormont untinged by bitterness. The couple departs London and its judgmental social scene for Switzerland, where they decide to conduct a school, living outside accepted social convention by not marrying. Ormont offers them forgiveness prior to his death, which also offers them the freedom to marry. Meredith indicts society through Ormont, chastising its failure to develop a social awareness in a more modern age. He suggests the doom of individuals dehumanized by materialism and the values of the bourgeoisie. While not one of Meredith’s most popular works, the book remains readily available.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jones, Mervyn. The Amazing Victorian: A Life of George Meredith. Constable: London, 1999.

Lindsay, Jack. George Meredith: His Life and Work. London: The Bodley Head, 1980.