The Greatest Heiress in England

"The Greatest Heiress in England" by Mrs. Oliphant is a story that paints a picture of life in a small, 19th-century town, where Lucy Trevor finds herself at the center of attention as the heiress to a considerable fortune. The novel shows the odd structure of the Trevor home and the difference between Lucy’s wealthy position and her connection to the less fortunate Fords. This arrangement brings to light themes of class, money, and difficult family roles. Old Mr. Trevor, Lucy's father, is busy drawing up a will that shows how much he wants his daughter to be independent and wealthy, but also shows how controlling he is. Lucy also has a special friendship with her young cousin, Jock, despite him being seen as an extra mouth to feed. Through these characters and relationships, the beginning of the book introduces the reader to the world of social expectations and family ties that will greatly influence Lucy as the story goes on.