The Prime Minister · Chapter
The Great Wharton Alliance explained
Mr.
What happens
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 family. Emily, however, declines to attend the wedding, feeling her widowhood makes her unfit. She senses her father's unhappiness and offers to leave, but he does not respond.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Courtship
The chapter centers on Mary and Everett's engagement, contrasting it with Emily's widowhood and her refusal to consider Arthur Fletcher's suit.
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Mr. Wharton feels torn between his duty to urge Emily to marry and his inability to do so; Emily struggles between her own feelings and her sense of propriety as a widow.
Social Class and Identity
The Wharton family's concern with social standing is evident in the discussion of the bishop officiating and the proper sources for bridal attire.
Characters to notice
- Abel Wharton
Struggles to confront Emily about Arthur Fletcher; remains silent and unhappy about her refusal to remarry.
- Emily Lopez
Receives Mary's letter about Everett's engagement; declines to attend the wedding due to her widowhood; offers to leave home to ease her father's unhappiness.
- Everett Wharton
Engaged to Mary Wharton; plans to marry in May; comes to London for a tailor.
- Mary Wharton
Writes to Emily announcing her engagement to Everett; expresses hope that Arthur Fletcher will marry Emily.
- Arthur Fletcher
Not seen in Manchester Square; his name is not mentioned by Mr. Wharton; Mary hopes he will marry Emily.
Key passages
“I think, papa, that it would be better that I should go away.”
Emily suggests leaving home because she feels she is making her father unhappy.
Emily's offer reflects her awareness of the strain her widowhood and refusal to remarry place on her father.
“I could not stand at your marriage in black clothes—nor should I have the courage even if I had the will to dress myself in others.”
Emily explains she cannot attend Mary's wedding because she is still in mourning and lacks the emotional strength to dress festively.
Emily's refusal highlights her ongoing grief and sense of social impropriety as a widow.