Gerald Soames, known as the Earl of Hampshire, was a wealthy friend of Edward Collins married to Kitty.
Kitty arrived at Collinwood in 1897 after shortly after Gerald's recent death who had committed suicide over his dealings with Count Petofi, leaving Kitty nearly destitute. (844, 846) Count Petofi later revealed to Edward that Gerald was convicted of a common jewel robbery and sent to Blackmoor Prison. (860)