The Spoils of Poynton - Henry James

The Spoils of Poynton is a short novel which was first published in 1897 that addresses the issues of friendship, greed, the inherent strength found in familial connections and the nature of love. Mrs. Gereth is a willful widow who lives on her Poynton estate. Poynton is loaded up with "treasures" (the "spoils" of Poynton) that Mrs. Gereth and her late husband gathered, including paintings, tapestries, old chine, furnishings, object d'arts, etc. As per a senseless and unreasonable English law, everything in Poynton will be transferred to her child, Owen after the passing away of Mrs. Gereth's husband. Owen can do however he pleases with his mom. He can ask her to leave the house if he wishes, there is no legal obligation to stop him. Mrs. Gereth's companion, Fleda Vetch, is confronted with a dilemma. She adores Owen and he evidently cherishes her, yet she thinks it would be inappropriate for her to steal him away from Mona. The only way Fleda can get Owen to herself is if Mona decides to break off their relation with him. Owen is convinced that it his obligation to complete his marriage with Mona, despite the fact that on occasion he seems to prefer Fleda.