"The Belton Estate" revolves around a young woman, Clara Amedroz. She is the only surviving child of the elderly squire of Belton Castle in Somersetshire. At twenty-five, she is old for an unmarried woman. Her father's income and savings have been dissipated to pay for the extravagances of her brother, who subsequently committed suicide. Despite her poor prospects, she has two eligible suitors. She has accepted one of two suitors, then discovered that he was unworthy of her love.