Yes, she loves him very much. Think about it. Despite being asked over and over again, and despite having to bear the brunt of her punishment, shame and degradation alone, Hester never reveals that Dimmesdale is the father of her child. She protects his identity fiercely, at great personal loss and sacrifice. This indicates thats she loves him very much. Later on in the novel, when she encounters him in the forest again, they both speak of love and of leaving together, running away to live where they won't be judged and criticized. That shows that she is willing to change her entire life to be with him--she loves him. Love brought them together in the first place, and love kept Hester silent about Dimmesdale's role in the affair. She knew that if Dimmesdale were exposed, it would ruin his life as a minister, and so many people looked up to him and counted on him as their advisor and preacher. She didn't want to do that. She wanted thim to, on his own terms, and when he was ready, confess for himself. In the meantime, she bore double the criticism, double the judgment, and all of the gossip of the townspeople because she loved Dimmesdale enough to keep his secret safe.
"The Scarlet Letter" is at its surface a tale about a repressive Puritan community, and one woman's enduring spirit to overcome her circumstances, but underneath it all, it is a love story. It is a tale of two people who love each other very much, in a world that won't accept them for their love. Hester's love for Dimmesdale was a major force in her life, and it showed in her silence and willingness to go away with him, if he chose. I hope that those thoughts helped; good luck!
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