Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Head of the House of Coombe Illustrated Frances Hodgson Burnett

The eponymous head of the House of Coombe is the Earl of Coombe who, early in the novel, mysteriously consents to pay the bills of the pretty, spiteful, and wholly nitwitted Feather Gareth-Lawless, who has been left penniless on the death of her irresponsible husband Robert. The arrangement is a scandal to the respectable society of London, who assumes, mistakenly, that the Earl is enjoying Feather's sexual favors. Feather and her friends are unconcerned about the rumors; the impact is felt most by little Robin, Feather's innocent, neglected daughter. Robin is the real focus of the novel. Her neglected childhood, wicked nanny, and isolated existence are drawn in the bleakest colors. Luckily for the wretched Robin, young Donal (who happens to be the Earl's heir) briefly enters her life; he is a beacon of light, teaching 6-year-old Robin about kisses and mothers and picture books. But alas, Robin is tainted by her mother's scandalous life, and Donal's mother snatches Donal away from Robin, breaking her wee heart. Her obvious grief brings her to Lord Coombe's attention, and he begins to interest himself in her life. This is a bit of a "sensation" novel.