Who is Elizabeth Barrett Browning from Flush: A Biography and what is their importance?

As the story of Flush unfolds, Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a famous poetess who lives in her family home on Wimpole Street, a posh address in London, England. Miss Barrett is in ill-health and lives the isolated life of an invalid. Her friend, Miss Mitford lives on a farm outside of London. She has several dogs including a young red cocker spaniel. Miss Mitford refuses to sell the dog to anyone but decides that the aristocratic dog belongs with someone of high-standing. She offers the dog to Miss Barrett who happily accepts the dog she names Flush.

Miss Barrett lives with her domineering father who, it seems, wants her to remain dependent on him. Although her father's motivation is not clear, one could assume that he wants to keep his famous daughter close to him and perhaps share in her limelight. Miss Barrett spends all her time in her bedroom and when she takes in Flush, he is confined as well. The two form a life-long bond. Through the narrator we learn that Flush actually thinks they look alike.

Miss Barrett begins receiving letters and visits from Robert Browning. Flush has a little jealousy problem with the attentions Mr. Browning is showing to his mistress but he eventually adjusts. Miss Barrett proves her love for Flush when she pays a ransom to a thief who stole the dog. To escape her miserable life, Miss Barrett elopes with Mr. Browning and they move to Italy and bring her beloved pet with them. Mrs. Browning flourishes in the sun and freedom of Italy as does Flush. The two friends remain loyal to one another and grow old together. Miss Barrett is reading a poem she wrote years before about her beloved Flush when he returns from the street, leaps on the couch next to his mistress and passes away