The Regent; or A towns story of adventure in London is a story about London's upper class society in the Victorian era. The protagonist Edward Henry is a self-made successful entrepreneur, a 'nouveau riche'. He is a charming and clever man, but unfortunately with no artistic taste. Despite his wealth and accomplished political influence, he becomes bored in the small town so he heads up to London in order to get back into the competitive and exciting 'game' of business.