Eliot Marries John Walter Cross

Eliot's marriage to John Walter Cross marked a notable transition in her personal life, occurring eighteen months after the death of her long-time partner, George Henry Lewes. The marriage, which involved a 21-year age difference, was met with some controversy but ultimately garnered the approval of her brother, Isaac. Their relationship had been strained due to Eliot's previous cohabitation with Lewes, which had led to a break in their familial ties. Isaac's congratulations upon her marriage indicated a reconciliation of sorts, suggesting a shift in family dynamics following Lewes' passing. The couple's honeymoon in Venice was marred by a dramatic incident when Cross attempted suicide by jumping from a hotel balcony into the Grand Canal, although he survived the fall. This event highlighted the emotional complexities surrounding their union. After their honeymoon, Eliot and Cross returned to England, where they settled into a new home in Chelsea. This marriage not only represented a new chapter in Eliot's life but also reflected the societal attitudes towards relationships and family during that period, as well as the personal struggles that accompanied such changes.