Arthur Bell Nicholls then went on to take care of his aged father-in-law until Patrick Brontë’s death six years later. A very close friendship sprang up between these formerly bitter rivals for Charlotte’s affection, and when Patrick Brontë died, his son-in-law was so devastated by the loss that he could barely manage to walk in the funeral procession, physically supported by a friend.
On 30 October 1859 Patrick Bronte preached his last sermon from the pulpit of Haworth Church. On the 7th June 1861 he died aged 84. On the 12th June he was laid to rest in the family vault at Haworth church. He had lived and preached in the parish of Haworth for 41 years, outliving all his children.
With Patrick's passing , all things Bronte died out. I believe the full wait of Charlotte's loss hit Arthur at this time as well. Caring for her father had kept it in abeyance some what.It gave Arthur something to DO for her. That task was now done.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBut his relationship with Patrick was deep of its own accord . Who could understand each other's grief as well ? No one in all the world. They lost Charlotte, but had each other. Now Arthur was truly alone
One can see the effect of the loss of Patrick upon Arthur because when Rev Sowden ( who was like a brother to Arthur ) died later that same year, Arthur was able to conduct the service for his great friend. But for Patrick's funeral, others had to help Arthur even walk, such was his grief .
We know Arthur was a highly emotional man who mostly hid his feelings under a veneer of reserve .( much like his first wife) His feelings would break out at key moments despite of his efforts.
So in 1861 Arthur Bell Nicholls suffered the loss of his father in law, his best friend and the living at Haworth church .
All of these events hurt him deeply. But I believe Arthur would tell you that after suffering the loss of Charlotte Bronte Nicholls ,another loss would never seem as bad to him ...not even close