When the Duchess Was Dead
Grieving and feeling utterly alone after the Duchess's death; struggles with practical decisions about his daughter's care.
Lady Mary Palliser
Remains unaware of his daughter's engagement; decides not to send Mary to Lady Cantrip and allows Mrs. Finn to stay at Matching.
Park Lane
Mentioned as the father who must be informed; his upcoming visit to London changes Tregear's plans.
It Is Impossible
Furious and grief-stricken, he refuses Tregear's suit, accuses Mrs. Finn of betrayal, and later suggests Lady Cantrip as a companion for Lady Mary.
Conservative Convictions
Anguished by his son's political rebellion and the revelation of Frank Tregear's suit for Lady Mary.
He Is a Gentleman
Returns to Matching brokenhearted, struggles with grief and parental authority, confronts Lady Mary about Tregear.
Cruel
Arranges for Lady Mary to stay with Lady Cantrip; discusses his opposition to Tregear with Lady Cantrip; reflects on his own marriage and the difficulty of finding a suitable husband for Mary.
At Richmond
Opposes the match with Tregear; accused Mrs. Finn of betrayal; remains in London while Lady Mary is at The Horns.
The Duke's Injustice
Persists in his belief that Mrs. Finn was disloyal by not revealing Lady Mary's engagement; refuses to apologize or relent.
The New Member for Silverbridge
Silverbridge's father; mentioned as having previously represented Silverbridge and as the recipient of Silverbridge's letter after the election.
The Duke Receives a Letter—and Writes One
Receives Mrs. Finn's letter demanding an interview, refuses, then receives her written defense. He wrestles with his conscience and writes a paternal letter to Silverbridge.
Poor Boy
Referenced through his letter to Silverbridge, urging him to be useful in Parliament despite their political differences.
The Derby
Silverbridge's father, who reluctantly pays for the coach and horses and is feared by Silverbridge due to the financial losses.
One of the Results of the Derby
Confronts Silverbridge about Gerald's expulsion; expresses deep disappointment and anger.
No; My Lord, I Do Not
Mentioned as being deeply upset by Gerald's debt and by Mary's attachment to Tregear.
The Duke in His Study
Wrestles with apologizing to Mrs. Finn, considers political duty, and reflects on his daughter's engagement.
Frank Tregear Wants a Friend
Sends a letter of apology to Mrs. Finn; remains opposed to Tregear's suit.
She Must Be Made to Obey
Wrestles with his daughter's rebellion, recalls his own marriage arrangement, and considers Lord Popplecourt as a potential suitor.
A Family Breakfast-Table
Lectures his sons on the value of hard work and the burden of wealth, showing his philosophical and paternal side.
Dinner at the Beargarden
Visits the House of Commons, speaks with Silverbridge about politics and marriage, and accepts an invitation to dine at the Beargarden.
Major Tifto and the Duke
Meets Tifto, politely dismisses racing talk, advises Silverbridge against the association, and approves of a potential marriage to Lady Mabel Grex.
What Came of the Meeting
Distressed by the news of Mary's meeting with Tregear, expresses his unhappiness to Silverbridge and contemplates going abroad.
Lord Popplecourt
Arranges the dinner and pushes the match between Popplecourt and Mary, believing it his duty.
Don’t You Think—?
Receives Lady Mabel warmly, acknowledging their family connection; plans to return to London with Lord Popplecourt.
Ischl
Travels with his ailing daughter, seeks Mrs. Finn's advice, and wrestles with the possibility of yielding to Mary's love for Tregear.
There Shall Not Be Another Word About It
Forgives Silverbridge's debts and forbids further discussion; presses Silverbridge about marriage to Mabel Grex; reflects on the loss of seventy thousand pounds and resolves to push the match.
Lady Mary's Dream
Arrives at Custins with Lady Mary, uncomfortable with the matchmaking scheme, attempts to smile at Popplecourt, and leaves the room when Tregear is mentioned.
Miss Boncassen's Idea of Heaven
Converses courteously with Isabel and her father; unaware of Silverbridge's courtship.
The Party at Custins Is Broken Up
Walks with Mr. Boncassen and the young ladies, discussing social class and rank; reveals his inner conflict between public political liberalism and private aristocratic pride.
XLIX: The Major’s Fate
Mentioned as being urgent about extricating Silverbridge from the racing mess, caring little for the rest of the affair.
L: The Duke’s Arguments
Struggles with the decision to yield or persevere in opposing Mary's marriage to Tregear; reflects on duty, suffering, and his own past with Glencora.
The Duke's Guests
Writes a dismissive reply to Tregear and discusses the guest list with Mary, unaware of Silverbridge's interest in Isabel.
Miss Boncassen Tells the Truth
Hosts the gathering at Matching; Silverbridge's father whose approval is crucial for the marriage.
LIII: “Then I Am as Proud as a Queen”
Unaware of Silverbridge's feelings, continues to push Silverbridge toward Lady Mabel and lectures Isabel on decimal coinage.
I Don't Think She Is a Snake
Encourages a match between Silverbridge and Mabel; speaks plainly to Mabel about his hopes; is unaware of Silverbridge's attachment to Isabel.
The News Is Sent to Matching
Receives Silverbridge's letter and makes mental memoranda; reads Tregear's letter and advises Lady Mabel not to carry messages to Mary.
No One Can Tell What May Come to Pass
Hosts Silverbridge and Lady Mabel at Matching; shows special courtesy to Mabel, hoping for a match with his son, unaware of Silverbridge's love for Isabel.
Lord Gerald in Further Trouble
Bids farewell to Lady Mabel and then questions Silverbridge about his relationship with her.
LXI: “Bone of My Bone”
Confronts Silverbridge about his engagement to Lady Mabel, learns of his new love for Isabel Boncassen, and delivers a stern lecture on duty and nobility, refusing his consent.
I Believe Him to Be a Worthy Young Man
Returns from Barsetshire, acknowledges Tregear as a worthy young man but remains firm in his opposition to the match.
Do You Ever Think What Money Is?
Lectures Gerald on the nature of money and gambling, pays the debt, and reflects on his children's choices.
The Three Attacks
The Duke is besieged by arguments from Mrs. Finn and a letter from Tregear, forcing him to reconsider his opposition to Mary's marriage.
He Is Such a Beast
Advises his son to accept the offer despite political opposition, but is secretly gratified by Silverbridge's refusal.
Brook Street
Silverbridge plans to plead with him for permission to marry Isabel, recognizing the Duke's authority.
Pert Poppet!
Mentioned as having been eloquent and kind but not yielding to Silverbridge's plea regarding Isabel.
Love May Be a Great Misfortune
Referenced as the key figure whose approval Mr. Boncassen demands; described as just, liberal, and devoted to his children.
What Am I to Say, Sir?
Returns from Longroyston; speaks with Mr. Boncassen; gives a sorrowful but ultimately consenting response to Silverbridge's marriage plans.
Carlton Terrace
Formally welcomes Isabel as his future daughter-in-law; gives her his late wife's ring; reflects on the importance of the aristocracy and his heir's marriage.
Let Us Drink a Glass of Wine Together
Struggles to accept Tregear but makes a deliberate effort to reconcile by offering a toast.
Mabel, Goodbye
Referenced as having relented on Tregear's suit; Mabel notes his eventual acceptance.
The First Wedding
Receives Tregear at Matching with formal courtesy, indicating acceptance of the match.
The Second Wedding
Shows unexpected hilarity at the wedding, reflecting on his past suffering while giving his daughter away.
