The sequel to The Warden, Barchester Towers chronicles the struggle for control of the diocese between the waspishly ruthless Mrs Proudie, wife of the new Bishop, and Obadiah Slope, the Bishop's oily and hypocritical chaplain. But Mr Slope's insistent advocacy of Mr Harding for the wardenship of Hiram's Hospital is not prompted only by the desire to oppose Mrs Proudie's wishes. He also hopes to win the hand of Mrs Bold, Mr Harding's widowed daughter. His own machinations, however, soon threaten to entrap him.
