On the Duchess of Omnium's death, the Duke must look after his two sons and a daughter who, in turn, must see to their father's continuing social education. The Duke hopes that his heir, Lord Silverbridge, will acquire a respect for justice, self-sacrifice and honor, and, not least, a suitable wife. The rival claims of Lady Mabel Grex and Isabel Boncassen, the American granddaughter of a Dutch dockworker, symbolize the claims on the Palliser family: tradition against progress, codes of duty against natural feelings.
"A rich and compelling end to the Palliser novels." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)
