The Small House at Allington

"The Small House at Allington" by Anthony Trollope is a story set in Victorian England about two related families, the Dales of the Great House and the Dales of the Small House. The book mostly tells the story of Mrs. Dale, a widow, and her daughters, Lily and Bell, as they deal with love and society in the countryside town of Allington. The novel begins by painting a picture of the Dale family's history and their place in Allington society. We get to know Christopher Dale, the local squire, learning about his character and the family relationships that impact the lives of those around him. As the story begins we are shown the two Dale sisters, having friendly talks that give us clues about their developing romances and rivalries with local men. These beginning alludes to the complex social interactions, family responsibilities, and complicated love lives that drive the drama that is to come.