At the Ullathorne fête, the relationships among Signora Neroni, Mrs Proudie, Eleanor, Arabin, and the other principal characters collide, but long-standing misunderstandings begin to clear when Eleanor firmly rejects Slope’s proposal and the suspicions surrounding her conduct start to disappear. The sudden death of the Dean creates another contest for ecclesiastical advancement, yet Slope rapidly loses his influence after alienating Mrs Proudie and discovering that Signora Neroni has no intention of accepting him, leaving his carefully constructed ambitions in ruins. Eleanor and Arabin finally understand one another and agree to marry, Arabin is selected as the new Dean, and Mr Quiverful receives the wardenship of Hiram’s Hospital, bringing financial security to his family and settling the long dispute over the position. Slope ultimately leaves Barchester and even Mrs Proudie’s authority proves limited, while the struggles over love, office, ambition, and religious power conclude with Eleanor and Arabin united and a more stable order restored to the cathedral community.
