Dr. Wortle's School

by Anthony Trollope

"Dr. Wortle's School" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1881. Set in Victorian England, the story centers on a respected Christian academy thrown into scandal when it's discovered that two hired teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Peacocke, are living in an invalid marriage. Her first husband, believed dead, has reappeared alive. Dr. Wortle must defend his decision to support the couple while his school's reputation crumbles and the community condemns their unconventional relationship as sinful.