# The Prime Minister — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope.

- [Ferdinand Lopez](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/i-ferdinand-lopez.md): This chapter introduces Ferdinand Lopez, a mysterious and self-possessed gentleman of unknown origins who moves through London society with imperious confidence. Despite his reticence about his family background, he is a
- [Everett Wharton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/ii-everett-wharton.md): This chapter introduces Everett Wharton, a young man who has abandoned various careers and now aspires to a parliamentary career, though he lacks firmness of purpose. He dines with Ferdinand Lopez at the Progress Club, w
- [Mr. Abel Wharton, Q.C.](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/iii-mr-abel-wharton-q-c.md): Lopez decides to approach Mr. Wharton directly to ask for Emily's hand, hoping to manage the father's objections. Mr. Wharton, an elderly, wealthy Equity barrister, is skeptical of Lopez's foreign parentage and precariou
- [Mrs. Roby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/iv-mrs-roby.md): Mr. Wharton, disturbed by Ferdinand Lopez's marriage proposal to his daughter Emily, seeks to discuss the matter with his sister-in-law Mrs. Roby before speaking to Emily. He confronts his son Everett about Lopez's backg
- [No One Knows Anything About Him](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/v-no-one-knows-anything-about-him.md): Emily Wharton pleads with her father, Mr. Wharton, to reconsider his refusal to allow her to marry Ferdinand Lopez, arguing that he should investigate before condemning the match. Mr. Wharton, though resolute in his dist
- [An Old Friend Goes to Windsor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/vi-an-old-friend-goes-to-windsor.md): The Duchess of Omnium learns from her husband, the Duke, that he has been summoned to Windsor by the Queen to potentially form a government amid a political crisis. The Duchess, ambitious and eager for power, discusses t
- [VII: Another Old Friend](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/vii-another-old-friend.md): The Duke of Omnium, having accepted the Queen's commission to form a ministry, dines alone with the Duchess and expresses his doubts about his ability to lead. The Duchess suggests she become Mistress of the Robes, but t
- [The Beginning of a New Career](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/viii-the-beginning-of-a-new-career.md): The chapter details the formation of a coalition ministry under the Duke of Omnium, focusing on the struggles of distributing subordinate offices and the personal tensions between the Duke and Duchess over the Mistress o
- [Mrs. Dick's Dinner Party.—No. I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/ix-mrs-dick-s-dinner-party-no-i.md): Emily Wharton and her father, Mr. Wharton, continue their tense standoff over her relationship with Ferdinand Lopez. Mr. Wharton's inquiries yield no concrete evidence against Lopez, but he remains opposed to the match o
- [X: Mrs. Dick’s Dinner Party.—No. II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/x-mrs-dick-s-dinner-party-no-ii.md): At Mrs. Dick's dinner party, Mr. Wharton is tormented by seeing his daughter Emily in close conversation with Ferdinand Lopez, despite his resolve to keep them apart. The dinner is marked by social tensions, including Lo
- [Carlton Terrace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xi-carlton-terrace.md): The Duchess of Omnium orchestrates lavish entertainments at Carlton Terrace to support her husband's position as Prime Minister, managing household finances with Locock and Mrs. Finn while avoiding direct financial discu
- [The Gathering of Clouds](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xii-the-gathering-of-clouds.md): The Coalition Ministry survives its early months but faces growing challenges, including Mr. Turnbull's parliamentary attack, tensions with Irish Home Rulers, and a contentious debate over Brewers' Licences. Phineas Finn
- [XIII: Mr. Wharton Complains](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xiii-mr-wharton-complains.md): Mr. Wharton confronts Mrs. Roby for arranging a secret meeting between Emily and Ferdinand Lopez, accusing her of betrayal. Despite Emily's promise not to marry without his consent, Mr. Wharton feels pressured to give wa
- [A Lover's Perseverance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xiv-a-lover-s-perseverance.md): Ferdinand Lopez, following Mrs. Roby's advice, attempts to win over Mr. Wharton by offering to disclose his financial affairs, but Mr. Wharton remains firm in his opposition. Lopez also demonstrates his financial credibi
- [Arthur Fletcher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xv-arthur-fletcher.md): Arthur Fletcher, a beloved and accomplished young man from a prominent Herefordshire family, arrives at Wharton Hall where Emily Wharton is staying. He learns from Sir Alured and later from Mr. Wharton that Emily has dev
- [Never Run Away!](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xvi-never-run-away.md): The chapter explores the fallout from Emily Wharton's rejection of Arthur Fletcher, as the Fletcher and Wharton families grapple with her apparent preference for Ferdinand Lopez. Arthur's brother John chides him for his 
- [Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xvii-goodbye.md): Arthur Fletcher, having resolved to accept Emily Wharton's engagement to Ferdinand Lopez, meets her privately in the grounds to bid farewell. He expresses his enduring love and devotion while formally retiring his suit, 
- [The Duke of Omnium Thinks of Himself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xviii-the-duke-of-omnium-thinks-of-himself.md): The Duke of Omnium, Prime Minister, decides to accompany the Duchess to Gatherum Castle for the grand house party, despite her preference for him to stay away until later. He reflects on his role as Prime Minister, feeli
- [XIX: Vulgarity](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xix-vulgarity.md): The Duchess of Omnium, feeling accused of vulgarity by her husband, resolves to continue her efforts to support his prime ministership through lavish entertaining at Gatherum Castle. She works tirelessly preparing for gu
- [Sir Orlando's Policy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xx-sir-orlando-s-policy.md): Sir Orlando Drought, feeling his importance as Leader of the House of Commons, seeks to confront the Duke of Omnium about the government's lack of defined policy. He catches the Duke during a solitary walk and attempts t
- [The Duchess's New Swan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxi-the-duchess-s-new-swan.md): The Duchess of Omnium takes a special interest in Ferdinand Lopez during his stay at Gatherum Castle, discussing his lack of a seat in Parliament and hinting at a potential vacancy at Silverbridge. Lopez confides in her 
- [St. James's Park](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxii-st-james-s-park.md): In late September, Everett Wharton and Ferdinand Lopez spend time together in London. Everett is frustrated with his father for not supporting his parliamentary ambitions, while Lopez reveals his own hopes of entering Pa
- [Surrender](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxiii-surrender.md): Mr. Wharton, influenced by the public narrative of Lopez's heroism and his daughter's quiet suffering, reluctantly gives his consent to Emily's marriage to Ferdinand Lopez. Lopez informs Everett, and then shares an intim
- [The Marriage](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxiv-the-marriage.md): The chapter details the engagement and marriage of Emily Wharton to Ferdinand Lopez in late November. Despite family opposition from the Whartons and Fletchers, the wedding proceeds. Lopez visits Gatherum Castle, cultiva
- [The Beginning of the Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxv-the-beginning-of-the-honeymoon.md): Ferdinand Lopez, newly married to Emily, breaks his resolution to avoid financial worries for a fortnight and immediately pressures her to write to her father, Abel Wharton, requesting a portion of her supposed fortune. 
- [The End of the Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxvi-the-end-of-the-honeymoon.md): Emily Lopez anxiously awaits her father's reply to her letter, fearing his anger over her marriage. Ferdinand Lopez manipulates her into believing her father owes him a fortune. When Mr. Wharton's letter arrives, agreein
- [The Duke's Misery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxvii-the-duke-s-misery.md): The Duke of Omnium, feeling the weight of his position as Prime Minister, confides in the Duke of St. Bungay about his doubts and the pressure from colleagues like Sir Orlando Drought. He is deeply troubled by the lack o
- [XXVIII: The Duchess Is Much Troubled](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxviii-the-duchess-is-much-troubled.md): The chapter details the aftermath of Major Pountney's expulsion from Gatherum Castle by the Duke of Omnium. The incident becomes widely known, with Captain Gunner spreading a version that protects the Major's reputation.
- [The Two Candidates for Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxix-the-two-candidates-for-silverbridge.md): Ferdinand Lopez returns to London to find a letter from the Duchess of Omnium informing him that the Duke will not support any candidate for Silverbridge, making the election an open contest. Despite this setback, the Du
- [Yes;—A Lie!](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxx-yes-a-lie.md): Emily Lopez feels increasingly isolated from her family after her marriage, though she remains loyal to Ferdinand. She learns that Arthur Fletcher will oppose her husband in the Silverbridge election. Arthur writes her a
- [Yes;—with a Horsewhip in My Hand](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxi-yes-with-a-horsewhip-in-my-hand.md): Ferdinand Lopez pursues his parliamentary ambitions for Silverbridge, but faces skepticism from his father-in-law Abel Wharton and growing doubts from his wife Emily. Lopez's visit to the Duchess of Omnium yields no clea
- [XXXII: “What Business Is It of Yours?”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxii-what-business-is-it-of-yours.md): The Duchess of Omnium, still smarting from the Duke's decision to abandon control of the Silverbridge election, defies his orders by secretly signaling support for Mr. Lopez through Mr. Sprugeon. Meanwhile, the Duke face
- [Showing That a Man Should Not Howl](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxiii-showing-that-a-man-should-not-howl.md): Arthur Fletcher, still grieving over Emily Wharton's marriage to Ferdinand Lopez, resolves to carry his burden rather than try to forget her. He writes a careful letter to Mrs. Lopez explaining why he cannot withdraw fro
- [The Silverbridge Election](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-silverbridge-election.md): Ferdinand Lopez's campaign for Parliament in Silverbridge collapses after the Duke of Omnium withdraws his support, leaving Lopez humiliated and financially out of pocket. He blames Arthur Fletcher, whom he believes will
- [Lopez Back in London](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxv-lopez-back-in-london.md): Lopez returns to London after losing the Silverbridge election and a public altercation with Arthur Fletcher. He seeks to mend relations with his father-in-law, Abel Wharton, who agrees to pay £500 of Lopez's election ex
- [The Jolly Blackbird](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-jolly-blackbird.md): Arthur Fletcher, newly elected MP for Silverbridge, dines with Mr. Wharton at the Jolly Blackbird tavern. They discuss the failed marriage of Emily and Ferdinand Lopez, with Arthur expressing his enduring love and Mr. Wh
- [The Horns](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-horns.md): The Duchess of Omnium, despite being snubbed and ridiculed, continues her relentless social campaign to support her husband's ministry, hosting lavish parties at her villa 'The Horns' in Richmond. She reflects on her str
- [Sir Orlando Retires](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxviii-sir-orlando-retires.md): Sir Orlando Drought resigns from the Coalition government after a dispute with the Duke of Omnium over not being invited to the Duke's private dinners. The resignation causes a minor political stir, with newspapers like 
- [Get Round Him](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxix-get-round-him.md): Ferdinand Lopez maintains his anger toward Emily for over a week after the Richmond scene, believing she disobeyed him by corresponding with Arthur Fletcher. He eventually reconciles with her to secure her father's favor
- [Come and Try It](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xl-come-and-try-it.md): Mr. Wharton arranges for Emily and Ferdinand Lopez to move into his home, driven by a desire to have his daughter back and to provide financial relief. He writes a loving note to Emily, softening the harshness of the arr
- [The Value of a Thick Skin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xli-the-value-of-a-thick-skin.md): Sir Orlando Drought's resignation from the Coalition is met with indifference in the House, and he seeks solace from his old friend Mr. Boffin, who criticizes the Coalition's lack of spirit. The session ends early, leadi
- [Retribution](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlii-retribution.md): The Duke confronts the Duchess about a letter from Ferdinand Lopez, who demands reimbursement for election expenses incurred at Silverbridge, claiming the Duchess assured him of support. The Duke blames his wife for the 
- [Kauri Gum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xliii-kauri-gum.md): Ferdinand Lopez, driven by financial pressure and resentment, writes a vexatious letter to the Duke of Omnium seeking money, not expecting a positive response. To his surprise, the Duke sends a £500 cheque. Lopez conceal
- [Mr. Wharton Intends to Make a New Will](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xliv-mr-wharton-intends-to-make-a-new-will.md): Mr. Wharton, concerned about his daughter Emily's financial security, presses Ferdinand Lopez to disclose the nature of his business affairs. Lopez evades and lies, claiming a capital of £8,000 and a partnership with Sex
- [Mrs. Sexty Parker](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlv-mrs-sexty-parker.md): Mr. Wharton grows increasingly suspicious of Lopez's financial affairs and demands a schedule of his assets and liabilities before altering his will. Lopez and his wife Emily visit the seaside town of Dovercourt, where t
- [He Wants to Get Rich Too Quick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlvi-he-wants-to-get-rich-too-quick.md): Lopez and his wife Emily have a tense argument about his financial troubles and her refusal to ask her father for money. Lopez writes a deceptive letter to Mr. Wharton detailing his speculative ventures. Later, the Lopez
- [XLVII: As for Love!](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlvii-as-for-love.md): Emily Lopez endures a miserable stay at Dovercourt, where her husband Ferdinand's alternating tyranny and false affection, along with his financial demands and neglect, leave her isolated and distressed. She learns from 
- [XLVIII: “Has He Ill-Treated You?”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlviii-has-he-ill-treated-you.md): Emily Lopez hosts a dinner party in her father's house during his absence, with guests including Major Pountney, Captain Gunner, Lady Eustace, Mrs. Leslie, and Aunt Harriet. The party is catered by Stewam and Sugarscraps
- [XLIX: “Where Is Guatemala?”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlix-where-is-guatemala.md): Mr. Wharton informs Lopez that he will provide no more money, prompting Lopez to threaten to move the family to Guatemala. Emily, torn between duty and despair, pleads to stay but ultimately submits to her husband's will
- [Mr. Slide's Revenge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/l-mr-slide-s-revenge.md): Mr. Quintus Slide, editor of the People's Banner, learns from Lady Eustace and Major Pountney that the Duke of Omnium paid Ferdinand Lopez's election expenses for Silverbridge. Slide publishes attacks on the Duke, who be
- [Coddling the Prime Minister](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/li-coddling-the-prime-minister.md): As Parliament approaches, the Prime Minister is unwell and distressed over the public revelation of his payment of Lopez's election expenses. The Duchess, kept in the dark, learns the truth from Mrs. Finn and reacts with
- [I Can Sleep Here Tonight, I Suppose?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lii-i-can-sleep-here-tonight-i-suppose.md): Mr. Wharton confronts Ferdinand Lopez about the rumored double payment of election expenses from the Duke of Omnium, leading to a tense exchange. Lopez's Guatemala scheme, initially a threat to extract money from Wharton
- [Mr. Hartlepod](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/liii-mr-hartlepod.md): Mr. Wharton, desperate to separate his daughter Emily from Ferdinand Lopez, considers paying £5,000 for Lopez to buy shares in the San Juan Mining Company and depart for Guatemala. He visits the company's secretary, Mr. 
- [LIV: Lizzie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/liv-lizzie.md): Ferdinand Lopez, unhappy in his marriage and financial troubles, contemplates various desperate schemes including seeking money from his father-in-law, investing in the Guatemala mine, or even suicide. He turns to Lady E
- [Mrs. Parker's Sorrows](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lv-mrs-parker-s-sorrows.md): As the end of February approaches, Mrs. Lopez remains uncertain about the impending journey to Guatemala. Mr. Wharton's attempts to buy his daughter's freedom through Mr. Walker have stalled, with Lopez refusing to leave
- [What the Duchess Thought of Her Husband](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lvi-what-the-duchess-thought-of-her-husband.md): The Duchess reads a scathing article in the People's Banner accusing the Duke of corruption in the Silverbridge election and attempting to shift blame onto her. She discusses it with Mrs. Finn, revealing her understandin
- [The Explanation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lvii-the-explanation.md): The Duke of Omnium, under pressure from public scandal and parliamentary inquiry regarding his involvement in the Silverbridge election, arranges for a formal explanation to be made in the House of Commons. Despite sugge
- [LVIII: “Quite Settled”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lviii-quite-settled.md): Ferdinand Lopez faces public disgrace and personal rejection. His scheme to go to Guatemala collapses when the San Juan Mining Company withdraws his appointment. He confronts his father-in-law, Abel Wharton, and his brot
- [The First and the Last](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lix-the-first-and-the-last.md): Emily Lopez, preparing for her banishment to Guatemala, sends a message to Arthur Fletcher through her cousin Mary. Arthur visits her in Manchester Square, where they share an emotional farewell. Arthur urges her to leav
- [The Tenway Junction](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lx-the-tenway-junction.md): Emily Lopez learns that her husband's plan to go to Guatemala has fallen through, leading to a tense confrontation about their future. Lopez, now without prospects and with his reputation ruined, takes a train to Tenway 
- [The Widow and Her Friends](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxi-the-widow-and-her-friends.md): Emily Lopez learns of her husband Ferdinand's suicide at Tenway Junction, falls into a severe illness, and during her recovery defends his memory against her family's criticisms. She rejects visits from Mrs. Roby and Art
- [Phineas Finn Has a Book to Read](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxii-phineas-finn-has-a-book-to-read.md): The chapter explores the aftermath of Ferdinand Lopez's suicide, focusing on the public and political fallout. Quintus Slide publishes a scathing article blaming the Duke and Phineas Finn for Lopez's death, prompting cal
- [The Duchess and Her Friend](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxiii-the-duchess-and-her-friend.md): The Duchess of Omnium confides in the Duke of St. Bungay about her husband's deteriorating health and mental state, burdened by guilt over Ferdinand Lopez's suicide and the political pressures of being Prime Minister. Th
- [The New K.G.](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxiv-the-new-k-g.md): The Duke of Omnium, as Prime Minister, resists pressure from the Duke of St. Bungay and others to award the vacant Garter to himself, to the Marquis of Mount Fidgett, or to Lord Drummond. Instead, he insists on bestowing
- [There Must Be Time](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxv-there-must-be-time.md): Three months after Ferdinand Lopez's suicide, Arthur Fletcher writes to Mr. Wharton expressing his enduring love for Emily and requesting permission to see her, arguing that the usual mourning period should be shortened 
- [The End of the Session](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxvi-the-end-of-the-session.md): The Duke of St. Bungay feels disappointed that his advice against nominating Lord Earlybird to the Garter was ignored, but he reconciles with the Prime Minister out of loyalty and a promise to the Duchess. Lord Drummond 
- [Mrs. Lopez Prepares to Move](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxvii-mrs-lopez-prepares-to-move.md): The Duchess of Omnium attempts to invite Mrs. Lopez to Matching but is rebuffed by the Duke. She leaves a card and note instead. Emily remains in seclusion, grappling with guilt and her love for Arthur Fletcher. Mr. Whar
- [The Prime Minister's Political Creed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxviii-the-prime-minister-s-political-creed.md): Phineas Finn visits the Duke of Omnium at Matching, where the Duke reveals his philosophical views on Conservatism and Liberalism, advocating for the lessening of social distances. The Duke also discusses his regret for 
- [Mrs. Parker's Fate](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxix-mrs-parker-s-fate.md): Five months after Lopez's death, Mrs. Parker visits Emily to report her family's ruin due to Lopez's speculations and a forged bill. Emily, overwhelmed, appeals to her father, who arranges a weekly pension of two pounds 
- [At Wharton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxx-at-wharton.md): Mr. Wharton and Emily arrive at Wharton Hall, where Emily's deep mourning and sense of disgrace are met with the family's attempts to comfort her and draw her out of her grief. Everett, now the heir, lectures her on the 
- [The Ladies at Longbarns Doubt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxi-the-ladies-at-longbarns-doubt.md): Emily Wharton remains in Herefordshire while her father returns to London, eventually moving to Longbarns where she lives under the same roof as Arthur Fletcher. The chapter explores Emily's internal conflict as she cont
- [He Thinks That Our Days Are Numbered](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxii-he-thinks-that-our-days-are-numbered.md): The Duke of Omnium receives a visit from the Duke of St. Bungay, who confirms that their government's days are numbered due to opposition to the County Suffrage Bill. The Prime Minister contemplates his political future 
- [Only the Duke of Omnium](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxiii-only-the-duke-of-omnium.md): The chapter depicts the political downfall of the Duke of Omnium as his coalition government collapses. Sir Orlando Drought delivers a scathing attack on the Duke in the House of Commons, accusing him of autocratic rule 
- [I Am Disgraced and Shamed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxiv-i-am-disgraced-and-shamed.md): Arthur Fletcher becomes a constant visitor at Mr. Wharton's home, determined to renew his suit to Emily Lopez after a year has passed since her husband's death. He struggles with how to approach her, and after an awkward
- [The Great Wharton Alliance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxv-the-great-wharton-alliance.md): Mr. Wharton struggles with how to approach Emily about Arthur Fletcher's proposal, ultimately saying nothing. Emily shares a letter from Mary Wharton announcing her engagement to Everett Wharton, which brings joy to the 
- [Who Will It Be?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxvi-who-will-it-be.md): The Duchess of Omnium struggles with the resignation of her husband as Prime Minister, feeling that her ambitions have failed and that she has become almost ridiculous. She confronts the Duke about the possibility of his
- [The Duchess in Manchester Square](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-duchess-in-manchester-square.md): The Duchess of Omnium visits Emily Lopez in Manchester Square, hoping to encourage a future marriage between Emily and Arthur Fletcher. She finds Emily subdued in mourning and struggles to broach the subject. The visit i
- [The New Ministry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-new-ministry.md): The Duke of Omnium, having resigned as Prime Minister, resolves not to serve under another leader, feeling that descending from the top rung would be a degradation. He visits Mr. Monk and together they call on the Duke o
- [The Wharton Wedding](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxix-the-wharton-wedding.md): The Wharton wedding is finally set for mid-June, with Mary Wharton's preparations and Arthur Fletcher's presence essential. Emily Lopez attends, wearing a grey silk dress instead of full mourning, but afterward resumes h
- [The Last Meeting at Matching](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxx-the-last-meeting-at-matching.md): The Duke and Duchess of Omnium return to London after Whitsuntide, and the Duke gradually resumes speaking in the House of Lords. The Duchess proposes a large gathering at Gatherum Castle, but the Duke rejects the idea, 

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters