The central conflict arises when Lady Anna finds herself caught between the rigid expectations of her aristocratic heritage and her personal desire for a marriage based on affection rather than social standing. The protagonist, Anna, faces intense pressure from her mother, the Countess Lovel, who seeks to secure their precarious social position through a strategic alliance. Opposing Anna's choice is the weight of Victorian class structure and the legal complexities surrounding her mother's disputed title. The narrative unfolds through a third-person perspective that examines the intersection of individual agency and societal obligation within the rigid hierarchies of the nineteenth century.

Discussion often centers on Trollope's nuanced portrayal of the conflict between duty and personal happiness. Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to critique the rigid social structures of the Victorian era without sacrificing the humanity of his characters. Critics often note the effectiveness of the legal and social atmosphere in driving the plot forward, providing a realistic backdrop for the protagonist's difficult choices. The balance between the domestic sphere and the broader political context remains a frequent point of analysis for those interested in nineteenth-century literature. Many readers appreciate the deliberate pacing that allows for a thorough examination of the characters' evolving motivations.