This is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Barsetshire but, as with the others, it can be read as a stand alone novel. One of the two main themes surrounds Mark Robarts, the young vicar of Framley, who becomes ensnared into guaranteeing a loan for the unscrupulous local MP, which causes many difficulties for Mark until the local landowner and close friend, Lord Ludovic Lufton, comes to his aid. The other main theme is the romance between Lufton and Mark's young sister, Lucy, much to the horror of Lufton's mother, who has other ideas for the marriage of her son. An amusing subplot is the rivalry between the Bishop's wife, Mrs Proudie, and the Archdeacon's wife, Mrs Grantly, over the marriages of their respective daughters.