Just who was Hester in love with?

do not think it is hard to figure out that Hester did not love her husband. I believe she even stated so in the story. Back in that era and place they lived, it was not uncommon for parents to pick their child’s spouse. Mr. Chillingsworth was a wealthy, well known man, what a perfect mate for their daughter. It was not verified in the story that the parents pick him for her, just my opinion.

Hester was not willing to embarrass her husband by telling people who she was married to, since she did have a baby way after she moved to Massachusetts there was no way the baby was his. I do not think she kept the secret because of any feelings for him. I think she knew he would be very angry. I also do not see as the type of person to make someone else suffer for her mistakes.

The one she truly loved was the preacher Mr. Dimmesdale, also the father of her child. She brings up a plan to run away with Mr. Dimmesdale when she finds out her husband’s plan to seek revenge. Because of her decision to not tell him about her husband’s plan, Mr. Dimmesdale does not stay with her. I do think that they both did love each other but the guilt got the best of them.