Archdeacon Grantly brings the scholarly and earnest clergyman Francis Arabin to Barchester as a champion against Slope and the new ecclesiastical faction, and after taking charge of St Ewold’s parish Arabin gradually develops a growing affection for Eleanor Bold. Slope also continues his pursuit of Eleanor, while the fascinating Signora Neroni manipulates his vanity and desires, causing romantic jealousy and misunderstanding to become increasingly entangled with the political struggle over church appointments. The question of Hiram’s Hospital again brings Harding and Mr Quiverful into competition, while the alliance between Mrs Proudie and Slope begins to collapse and Eleanor finds herself confused by gossip, family interference, and her uncertain feelings toward Arabin. When Miss Thorne prepares an elaborate country fête at Ullathorne, the rival clerical, social, and romantic factions are drawn together in one place, creating the setting in which hidden feelings and ambitions can finally come into the open.
