The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story

The novel begins with the story of Sydney Westerfield a young woman who has escaped a traumatic childhood and youth to become the governess to Kitty the only child of Herbert and Catherine Linley. Herbert and Sydney fall in love and their relationship is discovered by Catherine's mother Mrs. Presty who is a manipulative and controlling woman. Mrs. Presty forces Sydney to leave the Linley household but Kitty falls ill with grief and begs for her governess to return.Sydney comes back to the Linleys but the situation is tense and difficult. Catherine is jealous of Sydney and her relationship with Herbert and Mrs. Presty is determined to keep them apart. Eventually Catherine leaves Herbert and takes Kitty with her going into hiding with her mother. Herbert obtains a divorce under Scottish law but Catherine refuses to give him custody of Kitty.The novel follows Sydney and Herbert as they fight for custody of Kitty. It also explores the complex relationships between the characters and the impact of divorce on children. The novel ends with a reconciliation between Herbert and Catherine and they are finally able to raise Kitty together.The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story was a controversial novel when it was published as it dealt with the taboo subjects of adultery and divorce. However it was also a popular novel and it has been praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of the characters and the social issues it explores.