Clara Amedroz is the only surviving child of the elderly squire of
Belton Castle in Somersetshire. At twenty-five, she is old for an
unmarried woman. Her father's income and savings have been dissipated to
pay for the extravagances of her brother, who subsequently committed
suicide. Since her father has no living sons, his estate, which is
entailed, will pass upon his death to a distant cousin, Will Belton.
Despite her poor prospects, she has two eligible suitors.
Anthony Trollope was one of the most successful, prolific and respected
English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of his best-loved works,
collectively known as the Barchester Chronicles, revolve around the
imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote perceptive novels on
political, social, and gender issues, and on other topical matters.