# Mr. Wilberforce — A Country Gentleman and His Family character guide

> Mr. Wilberforce in A Country Gentleman and His Family by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Wilberforce

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Who they are

The husband of Mrs. Wilberforce, occasionally mentioned.

## In the story

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/xi)

The rector of Underwood, a justice of the peace, and a matchmaker at heart; he hopes Dick Cavendish will marry one of the Warrender sisters. He smokes a pipe in his study and is more relaxed about social rules than his wife.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/xii)

Asks about Lady Markland, causing discomfort; later discusses Lizzie Hampson with Dick.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/xiii)

Invites Dick for a smoke; is surprised by Dick's sudden decision to leave and tries to guess the reason.

### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/xxix)

The rector offers mild observations on step-fathering and the Elms, providing a counterpoint to his wife's more dramatic remarks.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/xlii)

The rector advises Lizzie on marriage law, warning that a second marriage while the first spouse is alive is invalid and could harm the innocent second wife.

### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/xlviii)

The rector accompanies his wife; he inadvertently reveals insight into Theo's feelings about the twins and fails to engage Chatty in conversation, leaving his wife unable to ask questions.

### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/chapters/li)

Called to the Warren to advise on marriage registers and proofs, part of the family commission dealing with Dick Cavendish's situation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/characters/mr_wilberforce
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_country_gentleman_and_his_family_se/characters