Constance Herbert

Constance Herbert was published in 1855. Charles Herbert, has been refused the hand of Kate Hatherton, a farmer’s daughter, in marriage, but he meets her again when he returns from Bombay to take over the family estate, the Chauntry. He is now engaged to the trusting and pleasant Miss Wilmot, whose affection is blighted when Charles decides that he must break off with her and marry Kate after all. Kate bears Charles Herbert a daughter, Constance, and becomes insane, subject to the delusion that he is really married to Miss Wilmot, and is taken to an asylum. When Constance grows up she learns of her mother’s sad history, and decides that she should not marry and run the risk of passing on insanity to her children....