# XIII: Mr. Wharton Complains explained — The Prime Minister

> Chapter companion for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

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 way, fearing his daughter's unhappiness. He discusses the situation with Sir Alured Wharton and decides to accelerate their visit to Wharton Hall, hoping a change of scene will help Emily forget Lopez. Emily, though obedient, expresses her deep attachment to Lopez, leaving her father distressed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Identity

Mr. Wharton's prejudice against Lopez as a 'nasty foreigner' and 'Portuguese Jew' contrasts with Mrs. Roby's defense of Lopez's association with the Duke of Omnium, highlighting class and ethnic tensions.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

Emily struggles between her love for Lopez and her promise to obey her father, while Mr. Wharton grapples with his duty to protect his daughter versus his desire to see her happy.

### Deception and Self-Invention

Mrs. Roby's secret arrangement of the meeting and Lopez's social climbing as an adventurer reflect themes of deception and self-invention.

## Character check-ins

### Abel Wharton

Accuses Mrs. Roby of betrayal for arranging a meeting between Emily and Lopez; struggles with his opposition to Lopez and fears for Emily's happiness; decides to take Emily to Wharton Hall early.

### Emily Lopez

Reveals her love for Lopez but promises not to marry without her father's consent; feels bound to Lopez as if married; agrees to go to Wharton Hall despite her sadness.

### Mrs. Roby

Defends herself against Mr. Wharton's accusation, arguing that Lopez is well-received in high society; she had arranged the meeting between Emily and Lopez.

### Ferdinand Lopez

Referenced as the man Emily loves; described as an adventurer and of foreign extraction; associated with the Duchess of Omnium's parties.

### Sir Alured Wharton

Discusses with Mr. Wharton the plan to bring Emily to Wharton Hall; suggests Herefordshire as a change of scene and mentions Arthur Fletcher.

### Arthur Fletcher

Mentioned as an English gentleman whom Emily had met at Wharton; Mr. Wharton regrets that Emily did not choose him over Lopez.

## Key lines

> I think you have betrayed me.

Mr. Wharton accuses Mrs. Roby of acting against his wishes by facilitating a meeting between Emily and Lopez.

_This accusation sets the tone for the chapter's conflict._

> I find myself to be as much bound to Mr. Lopez as though I were his wife.

Emily tells her father she feels as committed to Lopez as if they were already married, despite her promise.

_Shows the depth of Emily's emotional attachment and the strain on her relationship with her father._

> I ain’t thinking of her marrying. I don’t want her to marry;⁠—not this man at least.

Mr. Wharton insists he is not considering marriage for Emily, especially not to Lopez.

_Highlights Mr. Wharton's strong opposition to Lopez as a suitor._

## Links

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