The American Senator · Chapter
In These Days One Can't Make a Man Marry explained
Arabella Trefoil, having been jilted by Lord Rufford after he twice proposed at Mistletoe, seeks help from her cousin Lord Mistletoe in London.
What happens
Arabella Trefoil, having been jilted by Lord Rufford after he twice proposed at Mistletoe, seeks help from her cousin Lord Mistletoe in London. She asks him to confront Lord Rufford, but Lord Mistletoe explains that in modern times a man cannot be forced to marry, and suggests her father should handle it. After a fruitless interview, Arabella returns home to find a letter from John Morton, who is gravely ill and asks her to come to Bragton. She is torn between her pursuit of Lord Rufford and her guilt over John Morton's condition.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Arabella's desperate pursuit of Lord Rufford and her calculation of the 'prize' highlight marriage as a financial and social necessity.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
Lord Mistletoe's refusal to act despite Arabella's claims, and her own manipulation of the situation, reveal the moral ambiguities of honor and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Arabella Trefoil
Seeks her cousin Lord Mistletoe's help after being jilted by Lord Rufford; later receives a letter from the dying John Morton.
- Lord Mistletoe
Arabella's cousin, a young politician; listens to her story but refuses to confront Lord Rufford, citing that a man cannot be forced to marry.
- Lord Rufford
Proposed to Arabella twice at Mistletoe but later repudiates the engagement; is shooting near Dillsborough during this chapter.
- John Morton
Lying ill at Bragton; writes a letter to Arabella informing her of his condition and asking her to visit.
- Lady Augustus Trefoil
Arabella's mother; discusses the situation with Arabella after John Morton's letter arrives.
Key passages
“in these days one can't make a man marry. There used to be the alternative of going out and being shot at; but that is over now.”
Nowadays, you cannot force a man to marry; dueling is no longer an option.
Lord Mistletoe explains to Arabella that social pressure and dueling are no longer effective means to compel marriage.
“I have just been at Mistletoe, and he was there. My story is so hard to tell. I had better out with it at once. Lord Rufford has asked me to be his wife.”
I was just at Mistletoe, where Lord Rufford was also present. I'll tell you plainly: he proposed to me.
Arabella reveals to Lord Mistletoe that Lord Rufford proposed to her at Mistletoe.
“John Morton is dying... Oh, what an unfortunate wretch I am! Everything that touches me comes to grief.”
John Morton is dying. I am so unlucky—everything I touch turns to disaster.
Arabella's reaction to John Morton's letter, expressing self-pity and despair.