The American Senator · Chapter
LXII: “We Shall Kill Each Other” explained
Lady Augustus returns to Marygold Place after negotiating a settlement with Lord Rufford, who agrees to pay Arabella £8,000 in exchange for release from any marriage claim.
What happens
Lady Augustus returns to Marygold Place after negotiating a settlement with Lord Rufford, who agrees to pay Arabella £8,000 in exchange for release from any marriage claim. Arabella is furious upon learning of the arrangement, rejects the money, and writes a defiant letter to Lord Rufford demanding a personal meeting.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
The chapter centers on a financial settlement replacing a marriage proposal, highlighting how economic desperation drives the Trefoils' actions.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
Arabella, who has long participated in her mother's schemes, suddenly adopts a stance of moral outrage when the settlement is revealed, exposing the family's hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Lady Augustus Trefoil
Returns to Marygold Place after negotiating a secret £8,000 settlement with Lord Rufford; fears telling Arabella and lies about the negotiation.
- Arabella Trefoil
Receives a lawyer's letter about the settlement; angrily rejects the money, accuses her mother of betrayal, and writes to Lord Rufford demanding a meeting.
- Lord Rufford
Quickly arranges the £8,000 payment through his lawyer; resolves never to kiss a young lady in a carriage again.
Key passages
“In the first place Lord Rufford’s word went further with her than Arabella’s—and then his story had been consistent and probable, whereas hers had been inconsistent and improbable.”
Lady Augustus trusted Lord Rufford's account over her daughter's because his story was coherent and believable, while Arabella's was not.
Highlights Lady Augustus's pragmatic assessment of credibility.
“He certainly never would kiss a young lady in a carriage again—nor even lend a horse to a young lady till he was better acquainted with her ambition and character.”
Lord Rufford resolves to avoid any romantic gestures or favors to women until he knows their true intentions.
Reflects Lord Rufford's regret and caution after the affair.
“I would sooner go into the Thames off Waterloo Bridge than touch a farthing of his money.”
Arabella declares she would rather die than accept any of Lord Rufford's money.
Shows Arabella's dramatic rejection of the settlement.