# Benedict explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lady Penwether and Miss Penge work to secure Lord Rufford's affections after his escape from Arabella Trefoil. Through flattery and careful manipulation, Lord Rufford, weary of the chase, proposes to Miss Penge, who accepts. The engagement is celebrated by Lady Penwether, though the Trefoil family is displeased.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Financial Necessity

Lord Rufford's proposal to Miss Penge is driven by her fortune, which would enable him to buy the Purefoy property, highlighting marriage as a financial transaction.

### Love vs. Practicality

Lord Rufford chooses Miss Penge for her suitability and wealth over romantic passion, contrasting with Arabella's audacious pursuit.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Lady Penwether and Miss Penge manipulate Lord Rufford while condemning Arabella's behavior, revealing double standards in aristocratic courtship.

## Character check-ins

### Lady Penwether

Schemes to marry her brother Lord Rufford to Miss Penge, flattering and manipulating him after Arabella's visit.

### Lord Rufford

Weary and cowed after Arabella's pursuit, he yields to his sister's pressure and proposes to Miss Penge.

### Miss Penge

Quietly assists Lady Penwether in winning Lord Rufford, engaging in sentimental conversations and accepting his proposal.

### Arabella Trefoil

Mentioned as the 'harpy' who nearly trapped Lord Rufford; her bold visit to Rufford is recalled with disdain.

### Sir George Penwether

Disagrees with his wife's push for Lord Rufford to marry Miss Penge, but remains passive.

## Key lines

> Miss Penge was ladylike, quiet, and good, and was like a cool salad in a man's mouth after spiced meat.

Miss Penge was refined and soothing, a welcome contrast to Arabella's intense and spicy personality.

_Lord Rufford's internal comparison of the two women, favoring Miss Penge's calm demeanor._

> He therefore asked her to be Lady Rufford before he got on his drag to go out hunting on the last Saturday in March.

He proposed to her just before leaving for a hunt, as a way to end the tedious courtship.

_Lord Rufford's proposal is impulsive and practical, driven by weariness rather than passion._

> She will be true to him, and never give him cause for a moment's jealousy. She will like his title, his house, and his property.

She will be faithful and content with his wealth and status, never causing him concern.

_The narrator's assessment of Miss Penge as a suitable, unproblematic wife._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/lxxiv-benedict
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters