# Love Was Still the Lord of All explained — Orley Farm

> Chapter companion for Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Sir Peregrine Orme, after much internal deliberation, decides to propose marriage to Lady Mason, who is staying at his house. He confides in his daughter-in-law Mrs. Orme, who supports his decision. Lady Mason, aware of the implications and the danger of her legal troubles, struggles with the offer, fearing the impact on Sir Peregrine's reputation and her own precarious situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Sir Peregrine's proposal to Lady Mason highlights the intertwining of romantic affection, protection, and social obligation.

### Reputation and Scandal

Lady Mason fears that marrying Sir Peregrine could tarnish his reputation due to her impending trial.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Peregrine Orme

Decides to propose marriage to Lady Mason, seeking to protect and befriend her.

### Lady Mason

Receives Sir Peregrine's proposal, torn between gratitude and concern for his reputation.

### Mrs. Orme

Supports Sir Peregrine's decision and is a close friend to Lady Mason.

### Mr. Furnival

Mentioned as a key ally whose reaction Lady Mason fears regarding the potential marriage.

## Key lines

> Why should I not? Such had been the question which Sir Peregrine Orme had asked himself over and over again, in these latter days, since Lady Mason had been staying at his house; and the purport of the question was this:⁠—Why should he not make Lady Mason his wife?

Sir Peregrine repeatedly wondered why he shouldn't marry Lady Mason.

_Sets up the central conflict of the chapter: Sir Peregrine's internal debate about proposing._

> Lady Mason was rich with female charms, and she used them partly with the innocence of the dove, but partly also with the wisdom of the serpent.

Lady Mason employed her feminine allure both innocently and strategically.

_Highlights Lady Mason's calculated use of her appeal to secure powerful allies._

> If he stood there with her as her husband and lord, would it not be the case that no one would dare to impute disgrace to her?

If Sir Peregrine stood by her as her husband, no one would dare to accuse her of disgrace.

_Reflects Lady Mason's hope that marriage could shield her from scandal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxv-love-was-still-the-lord-of-all
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters