The American Senator · Chapter
Arabella Again at Bragton explained
Arabella Trefoil, amidst her ongoing pursuit of Lord Rufford, insists on visiting the ailing John Morton at Bragton against her mother's wishes.
What happens
Arabella Trefoil, amidst her ongoing pursuit of Lord Rufford, insists on visiting the ailing John Morton at Bragton against her mother's wishes. She arrives with Lady Augustus, both veiled and with minimal luggage, to avoid scrutiny. Upon arrival, Arabella confesses to Lady Ushant that she became engaged to Lord Rufford after her engagement to Morton, but now feels remorse and wishes to reconcile with Morton if he recovers. Lady Ushant is bewildered by the revelation and the moral complexity of the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Arabella's simultaneous engagements to Morton and Rufford underscore marriage as a strategic financial and social maneuver.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
Arabella's confession of remorse while still pursuing Rufford reveals the moral contradictions in her actions.
Love vs. Practicality
Arabella's internal conflict between genuine affection for Morton and the practical allure of a title with Rufford.
Characters to notice
- Arabella Trefoil
Insists on visiting John Morton despite her ongoing pursuit of Lord Rufford; confesses her remorse and desire to marry Morton if he recovers.
- Lady Augustus Trefoil
Accompanies Arabella reluctantly, tries to dissuade her from the journey, and is desperate about her daughter's conduct.
- John Morton
The sick man who requested Arabella's visit; his condition is grave, and Arabella considers him dying.
- Lady Ushant
Hosts the Trefoils at Bragton; is confided in by Arabella about her engagement to Lord Rufford and her remorse.
- Lord Rufford
Mentioned as the object of Arabella's current pursuit; she feels he has jilted her.
Key passages
“What is it to them whether I see the man or not? ... They are not such fools as to suppose that because Lord Rufford has engaged himself to me now I was never engaged to anyone before.”
Arabella argues that her past engagement to Morton should not interfere with her current one to Rufford, as everyone knows the history.
Highlights Arabella's pragmatic view of her multiple engagements.
“I would marry Mr. Morton tomorrow, and go with him to Patagonia, or anywhere else—if he would have me after hearing what I have done.”
Arabella expresses willingness to marry Morton despite her past betrayal, if he will forgive her.
Shows her remorse and desire for redemption.