# Major Grantly Consults a Friend explained — The Last Chronicle of Barset > Chapter companion for The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens Major Grantly, troubled by the public belief that Mr. Crawley is guilty of theft and the impact on Grace, seeks counsel from Mrs. Thorne. After hearing the news that Grace has gone to Allington, he confides his love for her to Mrs. Thorne, who unhesitatingly advises him to marry her. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Class and Reputation Major Grantly's dilemma centers on whether to marry Grace despite her father's disgrace, illustrating how reputation affects social standing and marriage. ### Love and Marriage The chapter explores the conflict between romantic love and societal expectations, as Major Grantly considers marrying Grace against his family's wishes. ### Gossip and Public Opinion Public opinion in Silverbridge increasingly condemns Mr. Crawley, influencing the characters' decisions and the narrative tension. ## Character check-ins ### Major Grantly Consults Mrs. Thorne about his love for Grace Crawley, torn between his feelings and the scandal surrounding her father. ### Grace Crawley Departs for Allington to visit her friend Lily Dale; her father's troubles cast a shadow over her future. ### Mrs. Thorne Advises Major Grantly to marry Grace Crawley despite the scandal, showing her characteristic boldness and warmth. ### Mr. Crawley His guilt is widely assumed; he defies the bishop's attempt to stop him from preaching, gaining sympathy but also condemnation. ### Archdeacon Grantly Writes to his son expressing pity for Mr. Crawley and indirectly discouraging any connection with the family. ### Miss Prettyman Sends a note to Major Grantly informing him of Grace's departure to Allington, showing her discreet support. ## Key lines > I fear he'll have to give way to the bishop at last Lord Lufton predicts that Mr. Crawley will eventually submit to the bishop's authority. _Reflects the ongoing conflict between Mr. Crawley and the bishop._ > No man will allow himself to fall in love with her when her father shall have been found guilty of stealing a cheque for twenty pounds. Dr. Thorne asserts that Grace's marriage prospects will be ruined if her father is convicted. _Highlights the social consequences of Mr. Crawley's alleged crime._ > Marry her, of course Mrs. Thorne advises Major Grantly to marry Grace without hesitation. _Shows Mrs. Thorne's pragmatic and supportive nature._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xiv-major-grantly-consults-a-friend - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters