I don't necessarily equate goodness with suffering (you know me too well for that, lol) but I keep going back to the sickness and health part of the vows. Didn't he make a commitment to forsake all others, til death do them part?
I understand that life has dealt him some crappy cards and in no way do I think that the gossip mongers are right, but I keep coming back to the vows he (presumably) made to her and to God.
Then again, I can't really begrudge him not wanting to live celibately and alone for the rest of her days.
