Trama
Slope's machinations are slowly catching up to him. The Dean of Barchester Cathedral is on his death bed and many in the community are outraged when an article appears in the local newspaper suggesting that Slope should be named as his replacement. It's apparent to everyone that Slope was the source of the suggestion. At the Thornes' annual garden party, Eleanor is hoping to spend some time with Francis Arabin, whom she finds intriguing. Slope, however, seems to interrupt any such attempt and when he finally proposes to her, she has a very sharp – and painful – response. To her amazement, Slope's isn't the only marriage proposal she receives that day.