020 - Harold Smith in the Cabinet

Framley Parsonage is the fourth novel in Anthony Trollopes beloved Chronicles of Barsetshire series. Originally published in serial form in the Cornhill Magazine in 1860 and later as a book in 1861, this engaging tale follows the life of Mark Robarts, a young vicar living in the picturesque village of Framley. Granted his position by Lady Lufton, the mother of his childhood friend, Mark is eager to elevate his social standing and make connections among the countys elite. However, he soon finds himself ensnared by the dubious Mr. Sowerby, a local Whig Member of Parliament, who entices him into guaranteeing a significant loan—an act that could have dire consequences. Alongside Marks struggles, the novel weaves a poignant romance between his sister, Lucy, and Lord Lufton, her ardent suitor whose mother favors a more socially suitable match. As Lucy grapples with her feelings and the pressures of social class, the story culminates in four marriages, including those of Bishop Proudies and Archdeacon Grantlys daughters, highlighting the comedic rivalry between their ambitious mothers. With familiar characters from previous novels in the series making appearances, Framley Parsonage is a rich tapestry of love, ambition, and the complexities of social hierarchy.