Miss Marjoribanks · Character

Mr. Ashburton

A serious, principled clergyman whose suitability as a match for Lucilla makes him the respectable conclusion everyone expects — and the one she may yet refuse.

supporting

Also known as Ashburton, poor Mr. Ashburton, fellow Ashburton, XLIX Mr. Ashburton, Poor Mr. Ashburton

First appearance: xxv

As a supporting figure in Miss Marjoribanks, Mr. Ashburton is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The new parliamentary candidate for Carlingford, who is persuaded by Lucilla to adopt an independent, non-partisan stance and to use violet-and-green as his colors.

In the storyXXXVIIOpen this moment free

Mr. Ashburton represents the dignified, conventional ending that Carlingford assumes awaits its presiding genius: a good man, a proper marriage, a commonplace conclusion. His very fitness throws Lucilla's originality into relief, since marrying him would satisfy every expectation she has spent years managing. He matters less as a suitor than as the measure of what Lucilla's restless, sovereign intelligence might decline.

See Mr. Ashburton in XXXVII Book page

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Character Web

27 connections

A slice of how Mr. Ashburton sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Core Carlingford Society
Extended Social Circle
Protagonist

+22 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Mrs. Woodburn,…

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Relationships

Lucilla Marjoribanks
romantic · ambivalent
Lucilla Marjoribanks
romantic · ambivalent
Lucilla Marjoribanks
romantic · ambivalent

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Ashburton in xxv

In the story

Mr. Ashburton appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXXVII
The new parliamentary candidate for Carlingford, who is persuaded by Lucilla to adopt an independent, non-partisan stance and to use violet-and-green as his colors.
XXXVIII
The predestined member for Carlingford according to Lucilla; she has pledged herself to his cause.
XXXIX
Lucilla's chosen candidate; she advocates for him as 'the man for Carlingford'.
Chapter XL
Present during Mr. Cavendish's visit; exchanges stiff bows with his rival and discusses his election campaign with Lucilla.
Chapter XLII
Mentioned as the other candidate in the election; the Doctor suggests he would be a suitable match for Lucilla.
Chapter XLIII
Walks side by side with Mr. Cavendish at the funeral.
Chapter XLVI
Visits Lucilla, forgets his overcoat, and is preoccupied with the question of whether she will appear at the election window.
XLVII
Mentioned as the rival candidate, working hard and dealing in George Street.
Chapter XLVIII
Visits Lucilla between services, agitated but hopeful as the election turns in his favor.
XLIX
Contemplates his love for Lucilla and the future of his house at the Firs.
LI
Mentioned as a hypothetical alternative match that would have provided a more straightforward married life.
Chapter the Last
Accepts his disappointment gracefully, claiming he saw the situation at once, and sends a nice wedding present.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Ashburton unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Ashburton in xxv

See Mr. Ashburton in XXXVII