House of Guinness Recap: Electioneering

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Arthur and Olivia are getting married, and everything should be perfect. But it quickly becomes clear that many of the wedding guests have their own hidden motives, some more obvious than others. Anne and Aunt Agnes are quietly pursuing their own goal: finding a wife for Edward. As the newlyweds share their first dance, Anne and Agnes are secretly reviewing potential candidates, and one stands out – Adelaide Guinness (Ann Skelly), a cousin. For them, a family connection is a positive thing. Now, they just need to find a way to introduce her to Edward.

Benjamin unexpectedly finds himself tasked with helping Edward, and he looks quite dapper in his new uniform. While he’s managed to stay sober thanks to Potter’s support, he’s still a bit awkward socially. Potter guides Benjamin to approach Adelaide with the goal of paving the way for Edward, but Benjamin is hesitant. Adelaide, however, is very direct, immediately approaching him as Christine watches. Like Olivia, she gets straight to the point, playfully asking if his wealth means he’s looking for a wife, referencing *Pride and Prejudice*. Once she quickly realizes he isn’t rich – something she likely already knew – she lays all her cards on the table. He’s there representing Edward, who has a list of potential brides. And Olivia wants no part of it. She’s not interested in getting married, and she doesn’t even like Guinness. That’s a tough break.

Benjamin heads over to speak with Christine, but is quickly stopped by a blunt woman who upsets Christine with her directness. We later find out this woman is named Henrietta, but before that, Aunt Agnes arrives to check on their conversation. She’s shocked to hear Benjamin talking about a chambermaid in London, claiming he’s in love. He quickly clarifies this is a tactic – he’s actually trying to negotiate a generous allowance and a house in Chelsea in exchange for marrying someone from a suitable family. His aunt responds with disbelief, calling him utterly shameless.

As the drama plays out around them, Arthur and Olivia enjoy the party and each other’s company. Olivia still notices what’s happening elsewhere, like Rafferty offering to take the unwell Anne home in a carriage. After Anne dismisses her husband, Reverend Plunket, she confides in Rafferty about her recent miscarriage. Rafferty isn’t very sympathetic, pointing out that their relationship was short-lived and now over, before Plunket returns to escort his wife home. (He will later show a little more compassion.) But Rafferty’s evening continues, and he’s pulled into a conversation with the drunken newlyweds, finding himself the target of Olivia’s flirting while also witnessing their very public displays of affection. Arthur is having a pleasant evening until Rafferty mentions that the Fenians are staying out of trouble.

Arthur was surprised to learn that Ellen and Patrick Cochrane would be there, and he reacted by angrily confronting them, even making shocking and false accusations about their relationship. This pushed Patrick to the brink, but Edward managed to calm things down. He explained that Ellen wasn’t interested in blackmailing him anymore; she wanted to slowly build a more positive and cooperative relationship. Ellen and Edward were completely in agreement, often finishing each other’s thoughts. They believed this was the most sensible approach. Although Arthur remained furious, he eventually realized he couldn’t win.

Byron, newly arrived from Ireland, finds himself in New York City’s Bowery and, hoping for help, asks a stern-looking man in a top hat for directions to Eliza Street. He quickly realizes this was a bad idea when he reveals he’s a recent Irish Catholic immigrant from Dublin. It turns out the man and his companions are members of the infamous Bowery Boys gang, and they start chasing Byron. Luckily, a group of fellow Irish expats, some armed with guns, intervene and save him. Byron is then taken to his cousin William, a leader within the New York branch of the Fenian Brotherhood. He explains his plan to make Guinness popular in America, where it’s largely unknown or seen as a drink only for the elderly. Byron acknowledges the Guinness family are Protestant and notes they’re in a precarious position, and it’s unclear whether his efforts will improve or worsen their situation.

Arthur’s growing political influence is helping him navigate a difficult situation, and that power will likely increase when he’s elected to Parliament. However, Anne unexpectedly reveals a problem to Edward: Arthur’s campaign team is planning to illegally buy votes using old train tickets. Edward is furious and immediately goes to confront Arthur, knowing exactly where to find him.

Arthur believes Bonnie has been paid to keep quiet, and expects her to uphold that agreement. He’s now returning to Bonnie’s businesses and the discreet locations he uses for certain clients. He’s puzzled by his brother’s frustration, as he’s been told he’s simply doing what everyone else does. Meanwhile, Edward meets Arty (Rob Houchen), an old Etonian friend of Arthur’s, who Arthur enjoys spending time with when Arty is in Dublin. Arthur dismisses any concerns, and his apparent happiness is so surprising that Edward feels compelled to share it even with his horse.

He’s starting to understand something important. Having dinner with Arthur and Olivia at their bright home overlooking Dublin Bay, he realizes their unusual marriage seems to be functioning surprisingly well. Arthur is free to pursue his hobbies, and Olivia, like Arthur, doesn’t seem concerned about the upcoming election. Olivia even has a theory about the two brothers: Arthur is naturally suited to leadership, while Edward is better suited to practical work, which likely explains why Adelaide isn’t attracted to him. This blunt assessment upsets Edward, who pointedly mentions the train-ticket scheme as he departs. It makes him wonder if their happy marriage might not be as solid as it appears.

Sláinte!

The character of Arty is revealed to be based on Lord Arthur Clinton, a politician involved in a notorious 1870 scandal. Clinton had a relationship with Ernest Boulton and Frederick William Park, two actors who publicly performed in women’s clothing. They were arrested and charged with conspiracy, leading to a sensational trial. Clinton himself died shortly after being called to testify, officially from scarlet fever, though many believe it was a suicide. This dramatic story, filled with scandal and societal judgment, feels ripe for a television adaptation and highlights the serious consequences faced by those who challenged Victorian norms.

Byron’s cousin, William Randall Roberts, was a fascinating figure. He led attacks on Canada as a member of the Fenian Brotherhood, and later had a career in American politics, serving as a New York representative and eventually as the U.S. ambassador to Chile. His life story deserves to be told in full someday.

This week’s music features a new song by Kneecap, called “I bhFiacha Linne,” alongside the classic hit “Jailbreak” by Thin Lizzy.

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2025-09-25 21:55