Right now (without knowing a whole lot about what is going on/what has gone on with these characters) I feel sorry for Soames. No, he isn't Prince Charming, and perhaps he's not the easiest person to warm up to, but Irene is just horrid. I can't imagine acting that way towards someone you live with, let alone someone who has been trying his best to make you happy. I mean, she could try to make the best of it, be pleasant, etc. Unless it comes out that he's done something unforgivable (I have no idea as I haven't read the book before, but this is the only guess I can make) I really can't understand Irene at all, or really feel sorry for her. A lot of times happiness is a personal choice, and it seems that she is choosing to be miserable.