The Head of the House of Coombe

"The Head of the House of Coombe" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a story set in the early 1900s following Feather Gareth-Lawless, a captivating but irresponsible woman, whose life is upended by the sudden passing of her husband, Robert. Feather faces a serious financial crisis and the burden of motherhood and must navigate London's complex social circles, exposing themes of image, societal pressures, and individual change. The story begins with Feather and Robert living a lavish lifestyle in a high-end area of London, while masking big financial problems. Feather is mostly unaware of their troubles, spending her time with social events and personal pleasures. The death of Robert brings a change of events, and forces Feather to face their shaky financial ground, and she realizes how much she has. The story shows her fear as she deals with loneliness and the need to find a way to support her baby girl, Robin, while struggling to keep her place in a society that wants more than she can give and hinting at emotional exploration and a look at society's expectations.