Anthony Trollope (1815–1882)

This book was first published in 1865 when the British/English Empire was nearing its zenith and concerns the marital prospects of the gentlewoman, Clara Amedroz, who upon the death of her brother shortly after the beginning of the book becomes the only surviving child of Bernard Amedroz, owner of the Belton Estate in Somerset.

Rather too predictable to be anything other than an enjoyable, but slight, read.
Enjoyable, as Trollope always writes adequately and the book now reads as quality historical fiction, including the reader in the country set of Victorian England of about 1860.
Slight, as the outcome is expected of a crowd pleaser, and there are no significant twists in the story. The male leads were predictable, with only Clara Amedroz and Mary Askerton being finely drawn characters. Clara comes across as rather naive and too unworldly, although perhaps recognisable as a proper lady, except in respect to her ongoing friendship with Mary Askerton. Whereas Mary is the more interesting character, but has only a minor role in herself, although important for plot devices.… (more)

I have a kindle book, The Complete Works of Anthony Trollope" of which this is the 3rd work. Published in 1855, it is a moving story about a hospital warden, a position that is apparently one of the clergy, who finds himself being accused of wrong doing by someone he respects, who in fact may one day become his son-in-law. When the accusation shows up in "The Jupiter", a prominent newspaper, the Warden is beside himself with self-doubt and distress. The story makes a strong case for the power of the press.… (more)