I forgot that both Boldwood and Gabriel know the name of Fanny Robin’s soldier.
Honestly, I wasn't happy Gabriel had Boldwood read the letter when Fanny was being secretive about it.
I don’t really know how to feel about it.
I was conflicted when Gabriel didn’t tell anyone that he’d seen her the night he arrived and they were all looking for her, but now it doesn’t stir quite right either.
I can see why Gabriel let Boldwood see it - it wasn’t like he gave the letter to Jan Coggan. Fanny doesn’t have any family or friends - Boldwood watched out with her to an extent and having this information he might reasonably do something for her now… maybe/maybe not - either way Boldwood preoccupied with his secret Valentine lover.
I don’t know… maybe the point is that all the men in the story let her down in one way or another 🤷🏼♀️
Wouldn't Bathsheba be the one to step in since Fanny worked for her? Though a young female farmer at the time might have not been seen as capable, it seemed like it would affect her/her reputation the most and so she would care to do what could be done.
But I guess that's just more period typical sexism.