# Lord De Guest — The Small House at Allington character guide

> Lord De Guest in The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lord De Guest, De Guest

**First appearance:** 0021-xxii-lord-de-guest-at-home

## Snapshot

A genial, fat-ox-raising earl whose unexpected kindness to John Eames opens doors the young clerk could never have pushed open alone.

## Who they are

Lord De Guest is the brother of Lady Julia and a nobleman so unassuming that Lily Dale calls him 'only a mere earl.' He takes a paternal interest in John Eames after a chance encounter, offering patronage and advice that lift the young man above his clerical obscurity. His warmth and generosity provide a counterweight to the snobbery and calculation that surround Crosbie's rise and fall.

## In the story

### [John Eames Takes a Walk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xiv-john-eames-takes-a-walk)

Lord De Guest encounters John asleep in the woods, offers him advice, and invites him to seek help if needed. He also promises to send game to John's mother.

### [Dr. Crofts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xx-dr-crofts)

Summons Dr. Crofts after dismissing Dr. Gruffen; discusses farming, health, and the engagement of Lily Dale to Crosbie.

### [John Eames Encounters Two Adventures, and Displays Great Courage in Both](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxi-john-eames-encounters-two-adventures-and-displays-great-courage-in-both)

Is attacked by his own bull and rescued by John Eames.

### [Pawkins's in Jermyn Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxii-pawkins-s-in-jermyn-street)

Hosts the dinner at Pawkins's; offers Eames patronage and urges him to pursue Lily Dale; speaks warmly of Eames's father.

### [The Time Will Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-time-will-come)

The earl conspires with Lady Julia and Johnny to arrange a match, offering to provide for Johnny if he marries Lily.

### [The Combat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-combat)

Discussed with Eames his abhorrence of Crosbie's behavior, though advised against violent vengeance.

### [XXXVI: “See, the Conquering Hero Comes.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xxxvi-see-the-conquering-hero-comes)

Receives John's letter and rejoices in his prowess, approving of the thrashing and comparing it to the bull incident.

### [John Eames at His Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlvi-john-eames-at-his-office)

Writes to John Eames with news of the squire's consent to the marriage and offers financial support.

### [The New Private Secretary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/xlvii-the-new-private-secretary)

Receives a letter from Eames thanking him for his offer and accepting an Easter invitation; reads the letter aloud to his sister.

### [The First Visit to the Guestwick Bridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/lii-the-first-visit-to-the-guestwick-bridge)

Welcomes John with slaps on the back and jokes; mentions the bull incident and its aftermath; talks about the squire and Bell's arrival.

### [The Fate of the Small House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/lviii-the-fate-of-the-small-house)

Gives John Eames advice about not showing his disappointment outwardly and encourages him to persevere in his suit for Lily.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters/lord_de_guest
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/characters