Mary Ann Evans Begins Living with George Henry Lewes

Mary Ann Evans, known by her pen name George Eliot, began a cohabitation arrangement with George Henry Lewes, who was still legally married to Agnes Jervis. This partnership, which lasted for over two decades, was notable for its unconventional nature, particularly in the context of societal norms of the time. Evans and Lewes formed a close personal and intellectual bond, with Lewes providing support for Evans's literary career. Despite the scandal surrounding their relationship, they lived together as partners, and Evans referred to Lewes as her husband. Lewes had children with Jervis, and even after Jervis left him for another man, he continued to support his family. This arrangement challenged the traditional views on marriage and relationships, as it was uncommon for women to assert such independence and agency in their personal lives during this period. The couple's relationship was marked by mutual respect and collaboration, influencing both their personal lives and professional endeavors. After Lewes's death, Evans married John Cross, a younger man, further illustrating her defiance of societal expectations regarding age and marital status.