The Small House at Allington

by Anthony Trollope

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Summary

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In "The Small House at Allington," two neighboring households set the stage for an interwoven tale of love, betrayal, and social maneuvering. The Great House, occupied by the stern Squire Christopher Dale, stands in contrast to the nearby Small House where his sister-in-law, Mrs. Dale, and her daughters, Bell and Lily, reside. The quiet village life is disrupted by the arrival of suitors and the unfolding of complex relationships.

The Households of Allington

Allington boasts two notable houses: The Great House, inhabited by Squire Christopher Dale, a man seemingly serious and reserved, whose ancestral roots in the area run deep. In contrast, the Small House is home to his sister-in-law, Mrs. Dale, and her daughters, Bell and Lily. Mrs. Dale, widowed early by the death of the squire’s younger brother, accepted the squire’s offer of rent-free residence, prioritizing her daughters’ well-being over her own pride.

Connections and Social Ties

The Dale family, while not the most prominent in the neighborhood, has connections of significance. Guestwick Manor, the estate of Lord de Guest and his sister Lady Julia, lies nearby. Years before, another Dale, Colonel Orlando, eloped with Lady Fanny, forming a familial link to the earl. Now retired in Torquay, the colonel and his wife have one son, Bernard Dale, a captain who stands to inherit the Great House.

Family Dynamics and Courtship

Mrs. Dale, maintaining her dignity despite limited means, finds her relationship with the brusque squire strained over the decade they've lived close by. The squire, however, shows a softer side to his nieces, particularly favoring Bell, whom he secretly hopes will marry Bernard, uniting the Great and Small Houses. Although Mrs. Dale once foresaw a potential match with Dr. Crofts for Bell, the physician’s intentions remain unspoken, and the possibility fades.

Visitors and New Romances

During a summer visit, Bernard brings with him Adolphus Crosbie, a charming senior clerk from Whitehall, who quickly captivates the sisters. Initially, Bell is more taken with Crosbie, earning playful teasing from Lily, but soon it becomes clear that Crosbie’s affections lie with Lily. Invited back for the shooting season, Crosbie eagerly accepts, marking the beginning of a pivotal chapter.

The Suitors' Predicaments

Meanwhile, young John Eames, another suitor for Lily’s heart, struggles with his infatuation. A clerk in London with a modest income, Eames finds himself hopelessly entangled with Amelia Roper, the intriguing daughter of his landlady, despite his devotion to Lily.

Engagement and Disappointment

As autumn arrives, Crosbie’s return to Allington solidifies his engagement to Lily, much to the dismay of Eames. When he visits his mother, Eames is tormented not only by news of Lily’s engagement but also by Amelia’s insistent letters. Meanwhile, the squire, keen on securing Bernard’s future with Bell, is met with resistance as Bell promptly rejects Bernard’s unconvincing proposal, despite the attractive financial settlement offered by her uncle.

Betrayal and Broken Promises

Crosbie, having chosen Lily, anticipates a financial endowment from the squire. Disillusioned by the squire's refusal, he consoles himself with the notion of marrying for love. However, a visit to Courcy Castle alters his course. There, Lady de Courcy orchestrates a new engagement for Crosbie, this time to her daughter, Lady Alexandrina, leaving a trail of broken promises behind as he succumbs to the allure of an elevated social standing.

Familial Discord and Redress

Upon learning of Bell’s rejection, the squire seeks Mrs. Dale’s help in persuading her daughter, but Mrs. Dale staunchly supports Bell's independence. The situation takes a dramatic turn with Lady Julia’s letter informing the squire of Crosbie’s new alliance. Infuriated, the squire travels to London, intent on confronting Crosbie,...

(This entire section contains 1105 words.)

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who, plagued by guilt, avoids the meeting and pens a confession to Mrs. Dale, acknowledging his betrayal.

Unexpected Heroics

During this tumultuous period, Eames becomes an unlikely hero by saving Lord de Guest from a bull attack. Impressed, the earl decides to assist him, extending an invitation for Christmas at Guestwick Manor. Meanwhile, at Allington, the days drag as Lily grapples with heartbreak and the squire contemplates retribution.

Confrontations and Resolutions

The festive season sees Crosbie at Courcy Castle, embroiled in wedding preparations, while Eames battles his entanglement with Amelia. At a dinner hosted by Lord de Guest, a proposal is made to support Lily and Eames financially, though the squire remains unyielding. A confrontation with Crosbie at the train station results in Eames delivering a much-needed comeuppance to Lily’s former suitor.

Continued Proposals and Family Decisions

Despite Bernard's persistent proposals, Bell firmly declines, prioritizing her own choices over the squire’s ambitions. Frustrated, the squire contemplates estrangement if Mrs. Dale refuses to mediate. Following heated discussions, Mrs. Dale considers relocating her family, but fate intervenes when Lily falls ill, prompting daily visits from Dr. Crofts, whose hidden feelings for Bell come to light.

New Beginnings and Renewed Bonds

As Lily recuperates, Dr. Crofts confesses his love to Bell, misinterpreting her ambiguous response. However, Lily, aware of her sister’s true affections, encourages him to persevere. February sees Crosbie’s marriage to Lady Alexandrina, while a burgeoning romance between Bell and Dr. Crofts emerges through shared visits and conversations.

Community and Healing

The Dale family is invited to Guestwick Manor, with Eames also in attendance, but Lily, sensing a matchmaking attempt, declines. Meanwhile, the squire, softened by his concern for Lily, reconsiders his stance on the family’s housing. Revelations of Bell’s engagement to Dr. Crofts bring a sense of unity, hinting at restored happiness in the Small House.

Unexpected Surprises and Future Prospects

Eames, having disentangled himself from Amelia, arrives at Guestwick Manor. His professional prospects improve thanks to the earl's influence, yet his heart remains unfulfilled, as Lily stands firm in her decision to remain single. Mrs. Dale’s attempts to sway Lily prove futile, leaving her daughter resolute in comparing herself to a widow, echoing her mother’s past sentiments.

Reconciliation and Life’s Continuity

Ultimately, the family’s tribulations bring Mrs. Dale closer to the squire, who announces a generous financial gesture for his nieces. In June, the Great House hosts Bell’s wedding to Dr. Crofts, marking a joyful new beginning. Absent from the celebrations are Bernard and Eames, but the event signifies healing and the promise of a hopeful future.

Concluding Fates

The union of Crosbie and Lady Alexandrina proves short-lived as the monotony of life with a government clerk leads her to seek solace with her mother. Crosbie, left to rue his financial sacrifices, finds solace only in newfound freedom from his wife’s incessant complaints and her family’s burdensome expectations.

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