The Prime Minister · Chapter
The Wharton Wedding explained
The Wharton wedding is finally set for mid-June, with Mary Wharton's preparations and Arthur Fletcher's presence essential.
What happens
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 her widow's weeds. Arthur Fletcher renews his suit, arguing it is her duty to marry him, but Emily remains steadfast in her refusal, believing herself disgraced by her marriage to Ferdinand Lopez.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Arthur Fletcher argues it is Emily's duty to marry him for the happiness of the family, while Emily clings to her personal resolve to remain a widow.
Reputation and Scandal
Emily feels disgraced by her marriage to Ferdinand Lopez and refuses to 'soil' Arthur's name with her infamy.
Marriage and Courtship
The chapter centers on Mary Wharton's wedding and Arthur Fletcher's renewed courtship of Emily.
Characters to notice
- Emily Lopez
Attends her brother's wedding in a grey silk dress, but afterward resumes her widow's weeds; resists Arthur Fletcher's renewed suit, believing herself disgraced.
- Arthur Fletcher
Acts as best man at the wedding and presses his suit to Emily, arguing it is her duty to marry him.
- Everett Wharton
Marries Mary Wharton; the wedding is a success and he looks the rising baronet.
- Mary Wharton
The bride; her wedding is described as very nice, with a perfect veil and dress from London.
- Abel Wharton
Emily's father; accompanies her to Herefordshire and is heartbroken by her resumption of weeds on the wedding day.
- John Fletcher
Writes to Arthur about the wedding timing to encourage his suit.
Key passages
“It was at last settled that the Wharton marriage should take place during the second week in June.”
The Wharton wedding was finally scheduled for mid-June.
Sets the date for the wedding.
“I can't bear, after all that I have cost you, putting you to such useless expense.”
Emily expresses guilt over the cost of a new dress for the wedding.
Shows Emily's financial anxiety and self-blame.
“I say it on behalf of all of us, that it is your duty.”
Arthur insists it is Emily's duty to marry him for the sake of the family.
Arthur's argument shifts from love to duty.
“The grey silk had been put on for the marriage ceremony and for that only.”
Emily wore the grey silk dress only for the wedding ceremony, then returned to mourning.
Highlights her determination to remain in widowhood.