# My Own, Own Husband explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Reginald Morton and Mary Masters finally declare their love for each other during a walk around the park, exchanging vows in a private ceremony. Mary then tells her father and stepmother, who are astonished but delighted. Lady Ushant is also informed and expresses her long-held hopes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Practicality

Mary's love for Reginald triumphs over the practical match with Lawrence Twentyman, highlighting the tension between romantic desire and social expectation.

### Social Class and Aristocracy

Mary's rise from attorney's daughter to mistress of Bragton underscores class mobility and the importance of marriage in securing status.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Masters

Accepts Reginald Morton's proposal and joyfully declares her love, then informs her family.

### Reginald Morton

Proposes to Mary in a heartfelt scene, leading her through a private vow exchange.

### Lady Ushant

Receives the news of the engagement with joy, having long hoped for it.

### Mr. Masters

Told by Mary of her engagement; he is surprised but proud.

### Mrs. Masters

Overwhelmed and humiliated by the news, but ultimately delighted at Mary's good fortune.

## Key lines

> Therefore, my own, own husband—

Thus, my very own husband.

_Mary completes her vow to Reginald, sealing their private marriage ceremony._

> I will be your true husband for the rest of the journey;—by which I mean it to be understood that I take you into partnership on equal terms, but that I am to be allowed to manage the business just as I please.

I will be your faithful husband, meaning we are equal partners, but I will handle the practical decisions.

_Reginald humorously defines his view of marriage as a partnership with him as the manager._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/lxxi-my-own-own-husband
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters