The Prime Minister · Chapter
X: Mrs. Dick’s Dinner Party.—No. II explained
At Mrs.
What happens
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 Lord Mongrober's criticism of the wine and Dick's spirited defense. After dinner, Lopez privately declares his love to Emily, who, though conflicted, feels her heart filled with delight, while resolving to be honest with her father.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
The dinner party highlights class distinctions: Lord Mongrober's aristocratic disdain for Dick's wine, Dick's defensive pride in his hospitality, and Mr. Wharton's anxiety about Lopez's social standing.
Marriage and Courtship
Lopez openly courts Emily at the dinner, declaring his love despite her father's opposition, while Emily struggles between filial duty and personal desire.
Reputation and Scandal
Gossip about the Duchess of Omnium's past (the 'queer story' of a lover and a trip to Switzerland) circulates among the guests, reflecting the importance of reputation in high society.
Characters to notice
- Ferdinand Lopez
Sits next to Emily at dinner, converses intimately, and later declares his love to her in the back drawing-room.
- Emily Lopez
Sits next to Lopez, enjoys his attention, and after his declaration feels her heart filled with delight, though she remains obedient to her father.
- Abel Wharton
In misery throughout the dinner, watching Emily and Lopez together; considers taking his daughter far away to prevent the match.
- Mrs. Roby
Hosts the dinner party and arranges the seating, placing Lopez next to Emily despite Mr. Wharton's disapproval.
- Lord Mongrober
Criticizes Dick's wine, leading to a heated exchange; grumpy and hard to please.
- Sir Damask
Attempts to engage Mr. Wharton in conversation about coaching and racing, but fails.
Key passages
“Lady Glen, as we used to call her, has the eyes of Argus. And of course we who used to be on the other side are especially bound to pay her observance.”
The Duchess watches everyone closely, and those who were formerly political opponents must be particularly respectful.
Roby comments on the Duchess's vigilance and the need for former adversaries to show deference.
“It has been so dreary to me, the last month!”
The past month has been very lonely for me.
Lopez confesses his misery to Emily during dinner, hinting at his longing for her.
“I shall be guided by him in all things—as far as I can.”
I will obey my father as much as I am able.
Emily tells Lopez she intends to follow her father's wishes, though with a hint of reservation.