East Lynne

After several days, the new Lord Mount Severn arrives. He consults with Archibald and the Vane family lawyer, Mr. Warburton, and is horrified to learn that Isabel is completely destitute. He concedes that she will come and live with him and his wife, Mrs. Vane. Isabel is very unhappy because she does not like Mrs. Vane. Before she leaves, Isabel expresses her gratitude for all the kindness that Archibald has shown both her and her father, and Archibald gives her some money.

When the new Lord Mount Severn tells his wife that Isabel will be coming to live with them, she is furious and vows that Isabel “shall marry the first [man] who asks her” and thus leave as soon as possible (157). Meanwhile, Barbara is interested to learn that Archibald now owns East Lynne and that Isabel is destitute.

Isabel moves in with the new earl (formerly Mr. Vane) and his wife at their home, Castle Marling. A few months pass, during which both Isabel and Lady Mount Severn are unhappy; one of the earl’s two young children also passes away in this time (leaving one son, William Vane, surviving). In the spring, about six months after the death of Isabel’s father, Mrs.