# Mr. Ashburton — Miss Marjoribanks character guide

> Mr. Ashburton in Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0024-xxv

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Lucilla Marjoribanks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/lucilla_marjoribanks)

_romantic_

Mr. Ashburton is a serious suitor of Lucilla, representing a more stable but less exciting romantic option.

### [Lucilla Marjoribanks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/lucilla_marjoribanks)

_romantic_

Mr. Ashburton is a serious suitor of Lucilla, representing a more stable but less exciting romantic option.

### [Lucilla Marjoribanks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/lucilla_marjoribanks)

_romantic_

Mr. Ashburton is a serious suitor of Lucilla, representing a more stable but less exciting romantic option.

## In the story

### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxviii)

The predestined member for Carlingford according to Lucilla; she has pledged herself to his cause.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxix)

Lucilla's chosen candidate; she advocates for him as 'the man for Carlingford'.

### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xl)

Present during Mr. Cavendish's visit; exchanges stiff bows with his rival and discusses his election campaign with Lucilla.

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

Mentioned as the other candidate in the election; the Doctor suggests he would be a suitable match for Lucilla.

### [Chapter XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xliii)

Walks side by side with Mr. Cavendish at the funeral.

### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlvi)

Visits Lucilla, forgets his overcoat, and is preoccupied with the question of whether she will appear at the election window.

### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlvii)

Mentioned as the rival candidate, working hard and dealing in George Street.

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

Visits Lucilla between services, agitated but hopeful as the election turns in his favor.

### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlix)

Contemplates his love for Lucilla and the future of his house at the Firs.

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

Mentioned as a hypothetical alternative match that would have provided a more straightforward married life.

### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/chapter-the-last)

Accepts his disappointment gracefully, claiming he saw the situation at once, and sends a nice wedding present.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/mr_ashburton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters