THE LAST CHRONICLE OF BARSET (WORDSWORTH CLASSICS)
The novel revolves around the proud, hardworking, and impecunious Reverend Josiah Crawley, curate of the poor parish of Hogglestock, and his brush with disaster. Crawley stands accused of a theft, but, as he is uncertain himself as to the truth of the matter, he is unable to offer a defense and retreats into self-doubt and shame. The community is bitterly divided between those who wish to help him and those convinced of his guilt, the latter headed by Mrs. Proudie, the bishop's forceful wife. Meanwhile, Crawley's daughter Grace has captured the affection of Archdeacon Grantly's son, Henry, but her father's scandal stands in the way of their marriage.