In the Barsetshire town of Plumplington the daughter of the town’s leading banker and the daughter of its brewer have each chosen their future husbands. But both young men are regarded by the fathers as unsuitable, even though each suitor is, in fact, much like the respective father when at that age. The young ladies, with the support of the Rector, each endeavor to get their way. The brewer’s daughter refuses to wear the silk dresses her father buys for her, choosing to dress down to her future station of life is she marries without her father’s consent. Meanwhile, the banker’s daughter takes to her bed and refuses to eat. The fathers, of course, are eventually forced to give in, leaving the Rector triumphant — and the young couples very happy! Although not one of the Barchester Chronicles, this book is set within that context, and makes references to the events of The Warden.