# Mrs. Burton — The Claverings character guide

> Mrs. Burton in The Claverings by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Cecilia, Cissy, old Mrs. Burton

**First appearance:** 0003-iv-florence-burton

## Snapshot

Florence's warm, practical mother at Stratton, whose approval of Harry Clavering sets wedding plans in motion with a speed that startles everyone.

## Who they are

Mrs. Burton is the higher authority at Stratton to whom Florence's fate is referred, a mother whose consent, once given, transforms hesitation into trousseau and fixed dates. She is practical and affectionate, but her readiness to approve Harry — and to let Mrs. Clavering push the marriage forward — leaves Florence bewildered and exposed. Her decisive warmth matters because it locks the engagement into place just as Lady Ongar's return makes Harry's fidelity most precarious.

## In the story

### [Lord Ongar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/iii-lord-ongar)

Discusses economy and the frugal habits of former pupils like Scarness and Granger.

### [The House in Onslow Crescent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/viii-the-house-in-onslow-crescent)

Harry meets Mrs. Burton, who is charming and welcoming; she calls him 'Harry' and introduces him to her brother, Mr. Jones.

### [Too Prudent by Half](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/ix-too-prudent-by-half)

Cecilia corresponds with Florence and advises caution, influencing Florence's decision to wait.

### [The Man Who Dusted His Boots with His Handkerchief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xxvi-the-man-who-dusted-his-boots-with-his-handkerchief)

Receives Florence's letter, urges Theodore to act, and invites Florence to London.

### [XXVIII: What Cecilia Burton Did for Her Sister-in-Law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xxviii-what-cecilia-burton-did-for-her-sister-in-law)

Confronts Harry alone, pleads with him to remain true to Florence, and kneels before him in desperation to save her sister-in-law's happiness.

### [Harry Clavering's Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xxxi-harry-clavering-s-confession)

The recipient of Harry's letter; she had earlier confronted him about his behavior and now receives his written confession.

### [Florence Burton Packs Up a Packet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xxxii-florence-burton-packs-up-a-packet)

Cecilia meets Florence at the station, shows special tenderness, and later reveals Harry's letter, determined to rescue him from Lady Ongar.

### [XXXVII: What Lady Ongar Thought About It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xxxvii-what-lady-ongar-thought-about-it)

Visits Lady Ongar to plead for Florence, acting on her own scheme despite her husband's disapproval.

### [Showing How Mrs. Burton Fought Her Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xl-showing-how-mrs-burton-fought-her-battle)

Visits Lady Ongar and reports the conversation to Florence, arguing for patience and against a hasty break.

### [Lady Ongar's Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xliii-lady-ongar-s-revenge)

Advises Harry and discusses the visit with Florence and Harry.

### [Showing How Things Settled Themselves at the Rectory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/chapters/xlvii-showing-how-things-settled-themselves-at-the-rectory)

Approves of the marriage and is elated at Florence's prospects of becoming Lady Clavering.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/characters/cecilia_burton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_claverings_se/characters