Character guide

Jean Muir

major

Also known as Miss Muir, Muir, Poor Jean Muir

A governess with no references and too much charm, she arrives at Coventry Hall determined to be underestimated—and never is.

Mr. Coventry

major

Also known as Coventry, the younger Coventry, Gerald

Gerald Coventry, the proud, languid younger son, vows to ignore the new governess and instead finds himself reading her letters far too closely.

Ned Coventry

supporting

Also known as Edward, Mr. Ned, Dear old Ned, Edward Coventry

The warm-hearted elder brother who treats the poor governess with unguarded kindness—and pays for it with a heart he can't get back.

Sir John Coventry

supporting

Also known as Gallant Sir John, Good Sir John, Dear Sir John, John Coventry

The elderly baronet of Coventry Hall, generous and honorable, whose loneliness makes him easy prey for a girl who knows how to weep over portraits.

Bella Coventry

supporting

Also known as Miss Bella, Bell, innocent Bella, Dear Bella

The Coventry daughter, romantic and trusting, who befriends the new governess with her whole heart and never thinks to ask what she wants.

Lucia

supporting

Also known as Miss Lucia, Poor Lucia

Gerald's proud, perceptive cousin, the one woman in the house who watches Jean Muir with narrowed eyes and refuses to be charmed.

Mrs. Coventry

supporting

Also known as peevish Mrs. Coventry, Coventry, Lady Coventry

Mrs. Coventry presides over Coventry Hall with the fretful authority of an invalid who misses nothing and forgives little. Her peevish suspicion of servants and governesses alike keeps the household on edge, and her disapproval can chill a room faster than any locked door. As the young Coventrys orbit their own romances and rivalries, her watchfulness raises the stakes for anyone hoping to win a place in the family — especially a certain new governess.

Lady Sydney

minor

Also known as young Sydney, Sydney, Lady S.

A noblewoman with a past connection to Jean Muir's earlier life.

Dean

minor

Also known as Mrs. Dean, Hester Dean, Poor Dean

A servant or confidante at Coventry Hall, loyal to the family.

Hector

minor

A servant or groom at Coventry Hall, occasionally mentioned.

Miss Beaufort

minor

Also known as Tell Miss Beaufort

A social acquaintance mentioned in the household's circle.

Dr. Scott

minor

A physician called to attend to the Coventry family.

Reverend Mr. Fairfax

minor

Also known as The Reverend Mr. Fairfax

A clergyman who visits the Coventry household.

Lady Grace Howard

minor

Also known as Lady Howard, Lady Grace

A noblewoman connected to the Sydney family.

Hortense

minor

Also known as Dear Hortense

A French maid or companion associated with Jean Muir's past.

Mrs. Morris

minor

A local woman who provides lodging or services.

Benson

minor

A servant in the Coventry household.

Vashti

minor

A name Jean Muir uses as an alias or stage name.