# XX: There Are Convenances explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The Trefoils prepare for the party at Rufford Hall, with Arabella torn between her engagement to John Morton and her pursuit of Lord Rufford. She and her mother argue about carriages and strategy, ultimately traveling in the phaeton while Morton is left frustrated. Arabella reflects on her precarious position, fearing she may lose both suitors.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Financial Necessity

Arabella's engagement to Morton is a financial plank she cannot afford to lose, even as she pursues the wealthier Lord Rufford.

### American vs. British Values

Senator Gotobed's bluntness and disregard for English conventions contrast with Morton's adherence to 'convenances' and social propriety.

### Love vs. Practicality

Arabella views marriage as a practical transaction, weighing Morton's diminished status against Lord Rufford's allure, with little regard for romantic love.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Arabella manipulates her engagement and uses social niceties to conceal her true intentions, while Lady Augustus openly criticizes Morton yet relies on his hospitality.

## Character check-ins

### Arabella Trefoil

Struggles with her engagement to Morton while scheming to attract Lord Rufford; feels her strength fading and fears falling between two stools.

### Lady Augustus Trefoil

Anxious to shake off the Bragton alliance and supports Arabella's pursuit of Lord Rufford; critical of Morton and his mother.

### John Morton

Becoming increasingly jealous and somber; feels neglected by Arabella and frustrated by her refusal to ride with him to Rufford.

### Lord Rufford

Hosts the party at Rufford Hall; has whispered words to Arabella in town and renews acquaintance, but she suspects he is only amusing himself.

### Senator Gotobed

Visits the meet to explain his views about Goarly to Lord Rufford; laughs at English churchgoing habits and is considered an unsuitable guest by Lady Augustus.

### Tony Tuppett

Scrutinised by the Senator during the meet; laughs in his sleeve when a fox isn't found quickly.

### Mrs. Morton

Referenced as the old woman who has Morton completely under her thumb; Arabella is not afraid of her.

## Key lines

> I shall just fall to the ground between two stools. I know it as well as if it were done already.

Arabella fears she will lose both Morton and Lord Rufford, ending up with neither.

_Reveals her anxiety about her dual pursuit._

> There are convenances.

Arabella invokes social rules to avoid riding alone with Morton.

_Highlights her use of propriety as a shield._

> You have been in the States so long that you forget all our old-fashioned ways.

She accuses Morton of adopting American informality at the expense of English decorum.

_Emphasizes cultural tension between American and British norms._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/xx-there-are-convenances
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters