Warning: wikipedia contains spoilers
The plot concerns the children of Plantagenet Palliser and his late wife, Lady Glencora. Plantagenet, as well as becoming a widower, has inherited the title of Duke of Omnium and has retired from the position of prime minister. His two sons and a daughter have grown up. The elder son, Lord Silverbridge, wishes to marry an American heiress, and Plantagenet disapproves. He disapproves even more of his daughter Mary's suitor, Frank Tregear. However, by the end of the book, he has become closer to all three of his children and has returned to politics.