The Prime Minister · Chapter
The Last Meeting at Matching explained
The Duke and Duchess of Omnium return to London after Whitsuntide, and the Duke gradually resumes speaking in the House of Lords.
What happens
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, and they instead host a modest party at Matching in October. Among the guests are Phineas Finn and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Grey, the Cantrips, and Arthur Fletcher. The Duchess discusses Arthur's engagement with him and later confides in Mrs. Finn about her adjustment to life out of power. The Duke has a reflective conversation with Mr. Monk, in which he expresses regret over the Coalition's dissolution and his own retirement, and Monk encourages him to return to public service.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Power
The Duke grapples with his loss of power and his desire to return to public service, while the Duchess schemes to maintain social influence.
Reputation and Scandal
The Duchess's hatred and ideas of revenge, and the Duke's concern over his political legacy, highlight the importance of reputation in high society.
Marriage and Courtship
Arthur Fletcher's engagement to Emily Wharton is discussed, and the Duchess takes an interest in their matrimonial prospects.
Characters to notice
- The Duke of Omnium
The ex-Prime Minister, now retired, struggles with his loss of power and frets over his political future. He engages in a philosophical discussion with Mr. Monk about the Coalition and his own role.
- The Duchess of Omnium
Recovers her outward good temper but still harbors hatred and revenge. She jokes about hosting a crowd at Gatherum and discusses Arthur Fletcher's engagement with him.
- Arthur Fletcher
Now engaged to Emily Wharton, he discusses his postponed marriage with the Duchess, who congratulates him and calls him a hero among lovers.
- Mrs. Finn
A close confidante of the Duchess, she listens to the Duchess's reflections on getting used to life out of power.
- Phineas Finn
Present at Matching as a guest, along with his wife.
- Mr. Grey
A guest at Matching, having returned from his eastern mission; his abandonment of his Silverbridge seat caused earlier troubles.
- Lord Cantrip
Present at Matching as a guest for a short time.
- Mr. Monk
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has a reflective conversation with the Duke about the Coalition and the Duke's potential return to office.
Key passages
“Let’s have everybody down at Gatherum, just as we had before.”
The Duchess suggests hosting a large party at Gatherum Castle to show they are not defeated.
The Duchess proposes a grand social event to maintain appearances after the Duke's resignation.
“I shall certainly never desire to be at the head of a Government again. For a few years I would prefer to remain out of office. But I will endeavour to look forward to a time when I may again perhaps be of some humble use.”
The Duke states he does not want to be Prime Minister again but hopes to return to some form of public service in the future.
The Duke expresses his reluctance to lead again but leaves the door open for a lesser role.
“In such an arrangement there must always be a certain amount of distrust, and such a feeling is fatal to any great work.”
Mr. Monk argues that coalitions inherently breed distrust, which undermines effective governance.
Mr. Monk critiques the Coalition government, reflecting on its inherent weaknesses.
