# Lord Rufford Makes Up His Mind explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Lord Rufford, having fled Mistletoe to avoid marriage with Arabella Trefoil, consults his brother-in-law Sir George Penwether after receiving two letters from Arabella—one playful, one serious—in which she declares their engagement to the Duchess and demands his acknowledgment. Despite having kissed her in a carriage, Rufford resolves not to marry her, feeling hunted by her and her family. Sir George agrees to help draft a reply, while Rufford also writes to invite Lawrence Twentyman to shoot and dine, seeking distraction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Financial Necessity

Arabella's pursuit of Lord Rufford is driven by the financial and social necessity of securing a wealthy titled husband, while Rufford resists being forced into a marriage he despises.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Lord Rufford acknowledges that a man cannot tell the truth about a woman's pursuit, and that a kiss can be construed as an engagement, highlighting the double standards and moral complexities of courtship.

### Love vs. Practicality

Rufford's decision is based on practicality and self-preservation rather than love, contrasting with Arabella's practical need for a husband.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Rufford

Determined to avoid marriage with Arabella Trefoil, he consults Sir George Penwether and writes to Lawrence Twentyman.

### Arabella Trefoil

Sends two letters to Lord Rufford, declaring their engagement to the Duchess and demanding acknowledgment.

### Sir George Penwether

Lord Rufford's brother-in-law, who advises him and agrees to draft a reply to Arabella's letters.

### Lawrence Twentyman

Invited by Lord Rufford to shoot and dine at the Bush.

### Tom Surbiton

Lord Rufford's intimate friend who warns him that everyone expects him to marry Arabella.

### Captain Battersby

Mentioned as part of the party at Mr. Surbiton's house.

## Key lines

> She would fall into my arms; she would embrace me; she persisted in asking me whether I loved her! Though a man have to be shot for it, or kicked for it, or even though he have to endure perpetual scorn for it, he cannot say that, let it be ever so true.

Lord Rufford laments that a man cannot publicly reveal a woman's aggressive pursuit, even if true, without facing severe social consequences.

_Highlights the gender double standard in courtship._

> One sometimes feels oneself like a carcase in the midst of vultures.

Lord Rufford compares himself to a dead body surrounded by scavengers, feeling preyed upon by fortune-seeking women.

_Illustrates his sense of being hunted for his wealth and title._

> But St. Anthony would have had to kiss this young woman if she had made her attack upon him as she did on me;⁠—and after all a kiss doesn't go for everything.

Rufford argues that even a saint would have succumbed to Arabella's advances, and that a kiss should not be taken as a binding promise.

_Defends his actions while downplaying their significance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/xlv-lord-rufford-makes-up-his-mind
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