
Lady Jane’s world is turned upside‑down when news of Alfred Percy’s impending marriage reaches her, stirring a mixture of gratitude, lingering affection, and unease. The revelation awakens a tentative reconciliation with Caroline, who had once been rebuffed, and their tentative conversation hints at the fragile ties that bind them. As the two women navigate polite intrigue, the reader is drawn into a society where personal fortunes and friendships are inextricably linked to the whims of marriage.
Against this backdrop, the novel unfurls the tangled politics of church appointments, with the coveted deanery becoming a pawn in a larger game of patronage. In the bustling parsonage, Alfred finds himself negotiating with the proud Mrs. Falconer and the self‑important dean, each interaction a delicate dance of respect and hidden ambition. Their conversations reveal the subtle power struggles that will shape the characters’ futures, promising a tale rich in social maneuvering and emotional complexity.
Language
en
Duration
~16 hours (970K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Text file produced by Jonathan Ingram, William Flis, and Distributed Proofreaders HTML file produced by David Widger
Release date
2005-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1768–1849
A sharp, lively storyteller who helped shape both the modern novel and children’s literature, she wrote with unusual realism about family life, education, and Irish society. Her books mix wit, moral insight, and a close eye for how people actually behave.
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