"The
Eustace Diamonds" is a novel by
Anthony Trollope, the third book in the series of his Palliser Novels, published in
three volumes in 1873.
The story revolves around the Eustace family diamonds that Lizzie claims belongs to her, a claim denied by Mr Camperdown, the lawyer of the family. Lizzie Eustace becomes a rich widow when her husband of few months, Sir Florian Eustace, dies.
Failing to get the lawyer at her side, Lizzie turns to Lord Fawn for protection. Fawn is a dull but an ambitious politician who is in need of money. They become engaged, however, he insists that she return the diamonds.
She turns next to her cousin Frank Greystock. He too has political ambitions and not well-off as Lizzie. He becomes attracted to both Lizzie and her fortune while visiting at her Scottish castle. Frank is actually engaged to Lucy Morris, the governess to the Fawn family.
Lizzie travels south and stayed at Hotel Carlisle. Her bedroom is robbed and she claims that the diamonds are among the goods taken. In reality, she has hidden them, secreted under her pillow at her London home. Events turned unfortunate for Lizzie when her London home is robbed, and the diamonds taken in earnest. Somehow, police investigations shows her apparent dishonestly.
She loses the disillusioned Frank who finally marries Lucy Morris. Lord Fawn also breaks his engagement. She's even rejected by Lord George Carruthers, whose charms she has been attracted. Lizzie ends up marrying the shady Mr. Emilius, a fashionable preacher who is a converted Jew.
"The
Eustace Diamonds" is considered one of Trollope's darker novels. It is a lesson in moral duplicity.