The central conflict arises from the eccentric and manipulative John Scarborough, who orchestrates a complex legal deception regarding the legitimacy of his heirs to thwart his creditors. John Scarborough seeks to protect his estate from the reach of money-lenders by declaring his eldest son illegitimate, only to later reverse his claim when it suits his shifting objectives. His sons, Augustus and Mountjoy, find themselves caught in a web of shifting inheritance rights and moral ambiguity. The narrative employs a retrospective framework, frequently pausing to clarify the convoluted legal and personal history that dictates the current state of the family. The story examines the tension between landed wealth, debt, and the rigid social expectations of the Victorian era.

Readers and critics often note the technical complexity of the plot, which relies heavily on legal maneuvering and shifting family secrets. Discussion frequently centers on the character of John Scarborough, who is viewed as one of the most enigmatic and morally complex figures in the author's body of work. The pacing is described as deliberate, favoring detailed character studies over rapid action sequences. Many observers highlight the effectiveness of the atmosphere, which captures the anxieties of the Victorian upper class regarding inheritance and social standing. The work is frequently cited for its sharp wit and its ability to sustain interest through its intricate, multi-layered narrative structure.