Chapter 44

Richard, having intended to champion Rebecca himself, is detained by the Earl of Essex who warns him of John's evil plans. He arrives at the trial too late to fight, but brings with him a troop of soldiers and arrests Albert Malvoisin for plotting with John against him. He gives Lucas Beaumanoir the choice of exile or death, and Beaumanoir chooses exile. Richard then banishes all the traitors except John, who is sent to his mother with a warning. Athelstane gives up his claim to Rowena and retires from public life. Rowena and Ivanhoe are married. Before departing from England with her father forever, Rebecca visits Rowena to thank her.

Scott provides the expected romantic conclusion to his novel. All loose ends of the narrative are neatly tied up with each character accounted for. Ivanhoe is raised to heroic status and marries Rowena. Bois-Guilbert is spared disgrace. Richard regains his throne and acts with kindness. He spares the lives of the traitors, simply banishing them from England forever. He is exceptionally kind to his brother John, who is only scolded and sent home to their mother. Good triumphs over evil with a merciful touch.

Only Rebecca, who is in love with Ivanhoe, is left out of the sweeping romantic triumph. Even she, however, is given the chance to once again prove her nobility. Before departing England with her father, she comes and expresses gratitude to Rowena. She is too much in love with Ivanhoe and too much of a lady to face the hero in person; she does not want to ruin any happy endings.

In true romantic form, Scott brings his exciting novel to a close with a sense of triumph and victory for the causes of good.

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