Who is Frank Gresham?

Who Frank Gresham is

Frank Gresham is the only son and heir of the family at Greshamsbury Park. He is warm, impulsive and good-natured, with more certainty in his feelings than understanding of his family's financial troubles.

He grows up alongside Mary Thorne, who is often with the Gresham children. When he returns from Cambridge, their childhood friendship becomes love, and he means to marry her.

What Frank Gresham wants

Frank wants to marry Mary rather than choose a wife for her fortune. His family's estate is burdened with debt, and his mother, Lady Arabella Gresham, sees a wealthy marriage as its rescue.

Pressure from his mother, aunts and cousins does not make him abandon Mary. His loyalty also reveals his limited understanding of how strongly money governs his family's expectations.

Frank Gresham and the others in the story

Mary loves Frank too, but she sees obstacles that he would rather overlook. Proud of her own worth, she refuses to marry him against his family's wishes.

Miss Dunstable, a wealthy heiress whom Frank is encouraged to court, sees the marriage schemes clearly. She treats him kindly and becomes a friend to the young people rather than simply serving the family's plans.

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