The Anthony Trollope Library

In which the directors of the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway convene for a Friday meeting fraught with quiet contestation, as Mr. Paul Montague challenges the chairman, Mr. Melmotte, over the opaque state of the company’s affairs, only to be met with polite dismissal and veiled resistance. Meanwhile, Sir Felix Carbury negotiates a precarious position between his fortune, his affection f...

In which Paul Montague wrestles with the troublesome engagement of Mrs. Hurtle, pondering the murky mysteries of her past and his own moral qualms, while grappling with the demands of business and society. Meanwhile, a curious visit to Welbeck Street leads to a candid exchange with Henrietta Carbury, revealing loyalties and affections amidst the shadows of family intrigue.

In which the departure of Ruby Ruggles from her grandfather’s farm causes considerable disturbance in the local countryside, prompting a search that brings to light the tangled loyalties and suspicions of those connected to the Carbury family. The pursuit of the truth, complicated by conflicting accounts and heated passions, sets a course for intervention and the hope of resolution beyond the Suff...

In which Augustus Melmotte’s spectacular rise to prominence encompasses not only immense wealth and social standing but also a forthcoming parliamentary candidacy and a grand entertainment for the Emperor of China, marking him as a man of unmatched influence in London society. Amid these public triumphs, private tensions surface as his daughter Marie resolutely refuses a marriage arranged by her f...

In which Lady Carbury contemplates and ultimately declines a marriage proposal from Mr. Broune, weighed down by her complex past and current uncertainties, while he wrestles with regret and relief upon receiving her letter. Their mutual affection and respect endure, yet both recognise that a union between them is neither viable nor desired.

In which Mr. Broune, with all the hesitations and miscalculations of a middle-aged suitor, confesses his love and proposes marriage to Lady Carbury, much to her surprise and inner tumult. The scene closes with Lady Carbury alone in reflection, torn between the comforts such a union might afford and the freedom and uncertainties that have so far defined her life.

In which Miss Georgiana Longestaffe finds herself dwelling uneasily beneath the roof of the Melmottes, estranged from former acquaintances and contending with the unkindness and snubs that London society bestows upon her new connections. She endeavours to maintain old friendships, yet discovers the sharp barriers set by social distinction, all the while nursing her hopes of securing a suitable mat...

In which the gentle country air of Sheep's Acre farm is disturbed by the brewing discord between young Ruby Ruggles and her suitor, John Crumb, whose straightforward devotion clashes with her heart's secretive fancy. The household is awash with tension and unspoken yearnings, as old promises, pondered fortunes, and the stern voice of a grandfather intertwine with the quiet resolve of a young woman...

In which Sir Felix Carbury grapples with unease after suspecting Miles Grendall of cheating at cards, while making arrangements with his friend Dolly Longestaffe to secure money through a transaction with the formidable financier Mr. Melmotte. Throughout these dealings, the social intricacies of London life continue to unfold, not least through a lively letter from Marie Melmotte expressing her ow...

In which Sir Felix Carbury contemplates the daring counsel of his mother to elope with Marie Melmotte, despite the stern opposition of her formidable father and the tangled considerations of fortune and propriety that attend such an enterprise. The young lady’s determined declaration of love and the prospect of a secret financial settlement thrust Sir Felix into reflections on the nature of honour...

In which an enigmatic article on the South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway stirs varied interpretations and reflections among the London elite, while Lady Carbury contemplates the intertwining of ambition, fortune, and matrimonial alliances with the great financier Mr. Melmotte. The scene unfolds with cautious social manoeuvrings and earnest confidences, revealing the subtle tensions and aspir...

In which the young Marie Melmotte, emboldened by her acquaintance with high society, declares her resolute affection for Sir Felix despite the stern opposition of her formidable father, while the household around them festers with mistrust and shifting alliances. Meanwhile, Georgiana Longestaffe finds herself estranged within her social circle, confronted with the disapproval of her own brother, w...

In which Paul Montague, burdened by troubled affections and uncertain fortunes, confronts the widow Winifrid Hurtle—his former promised wife—who has arrived in London determined to claim her due and understand the cause of their estrangement. Their meeting is charged with passion and reproach, revealing the complexity of past promises and present loyalties amidst the looming prospects of commerce...

In which a letter from Mrs. Hurtle unfolds a passionate yet troubled appeal to Paul Montague, entwining declarations of love with accounts of past hardships and present solitude, whilst he contemplates the complexity of their strained connection and his own conflicted affections. An evening shared between them at theatre and dinner reveals the delicate balance of past intimacy and present misunder...

In which Sir Felix Carbury contemplates financial stratagems and social manoeuvres to secure his position with the Melmotte family, whilst engaging in the intricate and morally ambiguous gambling circles of London society. Amidst whispered conversations of debts and shares, suspicions arise concerning the fairness of play, casting a shadow over the company gathered late into the night.

In which Sir Felix Carbury, urged on by his mother, attempts to secure the consent of Madame Melmotte’s formidable financier father to marry his daughter, navigating the delicate and often unbecoming dance of fortune and status with uncertain grace. The conversation unveils the gulf between appearances and realities, as pecuniary concerns overshadow romance, revealing the sharp-eyed calculation be...

In which the Great South Central Pacific and Mexican Railway emerges as a popular yet enigmatic venture, drawing in gentlemen of varied repute who navigate its murky waters with differing degrees of understanding and profit. Amidst whispered suspicions and social manoeuvres, Paul Montague wrestles with uneasy conscience and newfound wealth, while his colleagues debate their own stakes and grievanc...

In which Roger Carbury finds himself solitary and melancholy, reflecting on unrequited affection and the complex relationships that bind him to his acquaintances, whilst a grand country dinner at Caversham reveals the social manoeuvrings and cautious entertainments of the local gentry. Amidst a subdued assembly marked by constrained conversation and strategic alliances, young Felicity and Marie Me...

In which the Longestaffe family confronts a distressing reversal of plans, as Mr. Longestaffe insists they remain at Caversham rather than return to London as previously promised, leading to a quiet domestic storm of discontent and rebellion, especially from the spirited Georgiana. Amidst this household unease, Georgiana reluctantly accepts an invitation to stay with the dubious Melmottes in Londo...

In which the tangled matters of love and fortune intermingle at Carbury, as Sir Felix contemplates matrimonial arrangements with the wealthy Melmottes while Lady Carbury basks in hopeful triumph; and Roger Carbury, despite his gentle advances and open-hearted declaration of affection, remains entangled in the delicate uncertainties of Henrietta’s true feelings, punctuated by sober reflections on f...

In which the Carbury household navigates a delicate interplay of affections and family ambitions amidst the quiet dignity of the countryside, and a dinner brings together contrasting clerical figures whose devoutness and beliefs subtly colour the evening’s discourse. Lady Carbury wrestles with schemes for advantageous matches while Henrietta silently contemplates her cousin’s quiet constancy, all...

In which Miss Ruby Ruggles receives a mysterious letter from Sir Felix Carbury and is drawn into a world of romantic fancy far removed from her rural life and practical engagement to John Crumb. The tale gently explores the wide gap between rustic simplicity and youthful dreams, as Ruby contemplates the allure of a gentleman’s society and the uncertain promises of love.

In which Felix Carbury arrives late and ungraciously at Carbury, causing irritation to his cousin Roger and presenting himself with little regard for the family’s hospitality, while Lady Carbury tenderly supports her son despite his faults. Meanwhile, at Caversham, Sir Felix seeks to renew his suit with Marie Melmotte amidst the complex social manoeuvrings of the Longestaffe family and their enfor...

In which the proud and impecunious Mr. Adolphus Longestaffe seeks financial relief and social recognition from the wealthy Mr. Melmotte, only to find himself thwarted and forced into uneasy compromises that strain family relations. Meanwhile, the Longestaffe household bristles with discontent and apprehension as the prospect of hosting unwelcome guests and retreating to their country estate disrup...

In which Lady Carbury determines to bring her daughter Henrietta to visit their cousin Roger Carbury at his country manor, stirring unease over the complex ties of affection and pride that bind these relations. Meanwhile, Roger contemplates the heritage of his family estate with a heavy heart, caught between duty, love thwarted, and mistrust of certain new social alliances within the delicate fabr...