This enjoyable short story from Anthony Trollope follows the arrogant Captain John Broughton as he seeks to cement his place as heir to his wealthy aunt Miss Le Smyrger. Set in Devonshire, love and romance are also in the air for Captain Broughton, but will his ego ultimately be his downfall? Anthony Trollope (1815 – 1882) was a Victorian writer and author of 47 novels. He also wrote an autobiography, short stories and plays, travel articles, reviews and lectures. A prolific writer, he made no secret of the fact that money was his motivation for writing – an admission which raised eyebrows among his literary contemporaries at the time. The amount of works Trollope authored are testament to his belief in hard work. His first successful novel was The Warden followed by its sequel, Barchester Towers. The Chronicles of Barsetshire are perhaps his most well-known series of novels, though many of his works have been adapted for TV and radio, starring many familiar faces such as Alan Rickman, David Tennant, Bill Nighy and Tom Hollander. Alongside his literary career, Trollope also worked for some time for the Post Office and is credited with the introduction of the iconic post box to Britain. A memorial to Anthony Trollope was unveiled in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey in 1993.

In the quiet countryside of Barsetshire, controversy stirs within the tranquil walls of Hiram's Hospital, a charitable institution for elderly men. The source of contention lies in the generous income the warden Mr. Harding receives from the hospital's endowment, which some argue is excessive for his duties. As public opinion mounts against him, led by the zealous reformer John Bold, Mr. Harding finds himself torn between his sense of duty to the hospital's residents and the moral scrutiny of the broader community. Anthony Trollope's insightful portrayal of characters and moral dilemmas unfolds against a backdrop of pastoral beauty and societal scrutiny. The Warden is a timeless exploration of justice, compassion, and the clash between tradition and reform in a small English town, showcasing Trollope's mastery of psychological depth and social commentary. ANTHONY TROLLOPE [1815-1882] was an English novelist and civil servant. Among his most famous works is the series known as The Chronicles of Barsetshire, in which he delves into the intricacies of rural and ecclesiastical life.