The American Senator · Chapter
The Wedding explained
Arabella Trefoil and Mounser Green marry in early May.
What happens
Arabella Trefoil and Mounser Green marry in early May. Arabella writes to her parents and to the Duke and Duchess of Omnium requesting to be married from Mistletoe. The Duke, persuaded by Lord Drummond, agrees despite the Duchess's reluctance. The wedding becomes a fashionable event with many gifts, including a diamond ring from an anonymous friend (likely Lord Rufford). After the ceremony, Lady Augustus Trefoil, feeling abandoned and useless, departs in bitterness. Mounser Green hopes Arabella will embrace her new duties in Patagonia.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Financial Necessity
Arabella's marriage to Mounser Green is driven by practical considerations: securing a future and escaping her impoverished family, as she and Green strategize to gain the Duke's patronage.
Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity
The wedding is celebrated as fashionable despite Arabella's recent engagements and questionable conduct; the Duchess's anger contrasts with the public approval, and Arabella keeps Lord Rufford's anonymous diamond ring.
Social Class and Aristocracy
The Duke and Duchess's reluctant hosting of the wedding at Mistletoe underscores the importance of aristocratic connections and appearances, even for a disgraced family member.
Characters to notice
- Arabella Trefoil
Marries Mounser Green; writes to her parents and the Duke and Duchess to arrange the wedding at Mistletoe; receives a diamond ring from an anonymous friend (likely Lord Rufford) and decides to keep it.
- Mounser Green
Marries Arabella; advises her to seek the Duke's favor and to inform her parents for appearances; hopes she will adapt to her new life and duties in Patagonia.
- Lady Augustus Trefoil
Receives a dry letter from Arabella about the wedding; attends the ceremony at Mistletoe but afterward weeps bitterly, feeling her purpose in life is over.
- Lord Augustus
Attends the wedding at Mistletoe for the first time in years; gives a pair of silver nutcrackers as a gift.
- Duchess of Omnium
Reluctantly agrees to host the wedding at Mistletoe after the Duke insists; sends a gilt dish without a personal note.
- Lord Rufford
Implied to be the anonymous sender of a valuable diamond ring to Arabella; his heartless conduct is referenced.
- Lord Drummond
Speaks highly of Mounser Green to the Duke, helping to secure the use of Mistletoe for the wedding.
Key passages
“No sooner did the new two lovers, Mounser Green and Arabella Trefoil, understand each other, than they set their wits to work to make the best of their natural advantages.”
As soon as Mounser Green and Arabella Trefoil agreed to marry, they began planning how to use their connections to their benefit.
Highlights the pragmatic and strategic nature of their relationship.
“I will not conceal from you that I have suffered very much from Lord Rufford’s heartless conduct.”
Arabella writes to the Duchess, claiming she was deeply hurt by Lord Rufford's betrayal.
Shows Arabella's attempt to portray herself as a victim to gain sympathy and approval.
“She need never again seem to be gay in order that men might be attracted.”
Arabella realized she no longer had to pretend to be cheerful to attract suitors.
Reflects her relief at escaping the relentless pursuit of marriage.
