The American Senator · Chapter
Now What Have You Got to Say? explained
Lord Augustus Trefoil, reluctantly pressed into action by his wife and daughter, confronts Lord Rufford at the Duke's mansion to demand an explanation for his alleged engagement to Arabella.
What happens
Lord Augustus Trefoil, reluctantly pressed into action by his wife and daughter, confronts Lord Rufford at the Duke's mansion to demand an explanation for his alleged engagement to Arabella. Lord Rufford denies ever proposing marriage, attributing the intimacy to chance encounters and Arabella's fondness for hunting. After a heated but inconclusive interview, Lord Augustus returns to his family, where he accuses Arabella of lying and mismanaging her own affairs, leaving her feeling betrayed and isolated.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Arabella's desperate pursuit of Lord Rufford highlights marriage as a financial and social necessity for women of her class.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
Lord Augustus's self-serving disbelief of his daughter and Lord Rufford's evasive denials reveal the moral double standards of the aristocracy.
Social Class and Aristocracy
The interview underscores the power dynamics within the aristocracy, where wealth and title shield Lord Rufford from consequences.
Characters to notice
- Lord Augustus Trefoil
Forced to confront Lord Rufford, he is reluctant, irritable, and ultimately dismissive of his daughter's claims, preferring to avoid trouble.
- Lord Rufford
Denies any proposal of marriage, skillfully evading direct questions about his declarations of love, and leaves the interview feeling he has escaped unscathed.
- Arabella Trefoil
Furious and betrayed after her father fails to force Lord Rufford to honor the supposed engagement, she declares she must help herself.
- Lady Augustus Trefoil
Pressures her husband to act and later supports Arabella, but is unable to change the outcome.
- Lord Mistletoe
Arranges the early morning interview and briefly questions Lord Augustus afterward, showing his involvement in the family's efforts.
- Sir George Penwether
Advises Lord Rufford to concede to the interview, though he does not attend himself.
Key passages
“The unfortunate father whose only principle in life had been that of avoiding trouble would have rather that his daughter should have been jilted a score of times than that he should have been called upon to interfere once.”
Lord Augustus valued his own peace of mind so highly that he would have preferred Arabella to be repeatedly jilted rather than be forced to take action himself.
Highlights Lord Augustus's extreme aversion to personal inconvenience.
“I don't know what he'll say. Do you think he'll bring a big stick?”
Lord Rufford jokingly wonders if Lord Augustus might physically threaten him during their meeting.
Reveals Lord Rufford's casual, unrepentant attitude toward the confrontation.
“I don't believe she ever went out hunting in her life before she saw you. You mounted her—and gave her a horse—and took her out—and brought her home.”
Lord Augustus accuses Lord Rufford of orchestrating the hunting outings to create intimacy, implying Arabella's newfound interest in the sport was solely to be near him.
Illustrates the perceived impropriety of Lord Rufford's attentions.
“Had an appeal been made to his affections he would hardly have known how to answer. He remembered well that he had assured the lady that he loved her, and had a direct question been asked him on that subject he would not have lied.”
Lord Rufford admits to himself that he did declare love for Arabella, but he is relieved that the conversation never forced him to admit it.
Shows Lord Rufford's internal awareness of his own dishonesty.
