# XVI: A Marriage Has Been Arranged explained — A Gentleman of Leisure

> Chapter companion for A Gentleman of Leisure by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

After Jimmy leaves the terrace, Molly and her father have a tense conversation. McEachern, disturbed by news from Sir Thomas Blunt, questions Molly about Jimmy and later reveals his disapproval of Jimmy, calling him 'crooked.' He then pressures Molly to accept Lord Dreever's proposal, arguing it would secure her future. Exhausted and feeling beaten, Molly listlessly agrees to marry Lord Dreever. McEachern informs Sir Thomas, who summons Lord Dreever to discuss the arrangement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Molly is pressured into an arranged marriage with Lord Dreever for social advancement, despite her lack of love for him.

### Family and Obligation

McEachern uses paternal authority and emotional manipulation to compel Molly to accept the proposal, prioritizing family ambition over her happiness.

### Social Class and Wealth

The prospect of Molly becoming Countess of Dreever drives McEachern's insistence, highlighting the importance of title and status.

## Character check-ins

### Molly McEachern

Feels frightened and hurt by her father's unusual anger; later, exhausted and resigned, she agrees to marry Lord Dreever.

### John McEachern

Confronts Molly on the terrace, expresses distrust of Jimmy, and pressures her into accepting Lord Dreever's proposal.

### Jimmy Pitt

Leaves the terrace before the conversation; his relationship with Molly is a source of tension for McEachern.

### Lord Dreever

Proposed to Molly earlier in the rose garden and was refused; now his uncle summons him after Molly's change of heart.

### Sir Thomas Blunt

Informs McEachern of Molly's refusal of Lord Dreever; later summons Lord Dreever after learning of the arranged marriage.

## Key lines

> Women have the Red Indian instinct; and Molly had grown to womanhood in those few minutes.

Molly quickly learned to hide her true feelings, becoming more guarded and mature in a short time.

_Highlights Molly's emotional growth and her ability to conceal her heartbreak._

> Very well, father.

Molly gives in to her father's wishes and agrees to marry Lord Dreever.

_Shows her resignation and exhaustion after being pressured._

## Links

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