Interim · Character

Mrs. Bailey

A landlady with strong opinions and a sharper tongue, she presides over tea-table verdicts on charity, illness, and who deserves what from strangers.

supporting

Also known as missuz Bailey

First appearance: Interim

As a supporting figure in Interim, Mrs. Bailey is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Continues to manage the boarding house, with her presence felt in the daily routines.

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With Miriam (psychological): Miriam is deeply entangled with Mrs. Bailey, who seems to exert a powerful, controlling influence over her, creating a dynamic of obsession and manipulation. With Eve (social): Eve is a frequent visitor to Mrs. Bailey's home, maintaining a polite but superficial social acquaintance. With Dr. von Heber (professional): Dr. von Heber and Mrs. Bailey collaborate professionally regarding Miriam's care, but their alliance is fraught with mutual suspicion.

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Character Web

26 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Bailey sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Social
Professional

Character groups

Medical and domestic circle
Protagonist

+21 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Miriam’s emotional peak occurs as summer’s remembered happiness—once a liberating force that let her move “unh…

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Relationships

Miriam
psychological · ambivalent
Miriam is deeply entangled with Mrs. How this plays out →
Eve
social · ambivalent
Dr. von Heber
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Mendizabal
social · ambivalent
The doctors
professional · ambivalent
Eleanor
family · ambivalent
Dr. von Heber
professional · ambivalent
The doctors
professional · ambivalent
Eve
social · ambivalent
Miriam
psychological · ambivalent
Miriam is deeply entangled with Mrs. How this plays out →
Mr. Mendizabal
social · ambivalent
Mr. Mendizabal
social · ambivalent

Miriam
Miriam is deeply entangled with Mrs. Bailey, who seems to exert a powerful, controlling influence over her, creating a dynamic of obsession and manipulation.
Eve
Eve is a frequent visitor to Mrs. Bailey's home, maintaining a polite but superficial social acquaintance.
Dr. von Heber
Dr. von Heber and Mrs. Bailey collaborate professionally regarding Miriam's care, but their alliance is fraught with mutual suspicion.
Mr. Mendizabal
Mr. Mendizabal is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Bailey, often visiting her home but keeping a formal distance.
The doctors
Mrs. Bailey interacts with the doctors as a concerned caretaker, but she also tries to control their decisions regarding Miriam.
Eleanor
Eleanor is Mrs. Bailey's daughter, and their relationship is close but marked by Mrs. Bailey's domineering nature.
Dr. von Heber
Dr. von Heber and Mrs. Bailey collaborate professionally regarding Miriam's care, but their alliance is fraught with mutual suspicion.
The doctors
Mrs. Bailey interacts with the doctors as a concerned caretaker, but she also tries to control their decisions regarding Miriam.
Eve
Eve is a frequent visitor to Mrs. Bailey's home, maintaining a polite but superficial social acquaintance.
Miriam
Miriam is deeply entangled with Mrs. Bailey, who seems to exert a powerful, controlling influence over her, creating a dynamic of obsession and manipulation.
Mr. Mendizabal
Mr. Mendizabal is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Bailey, often visiting her home but keeping a formal distance.
Mr. Mendizabal
Mr. Mendizabal is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Bailey, often visiting her home but keeping a formal distance.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

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In the story

Mrs. Bailey appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Interim
Continues to manage the boarding house, with her presence felt in the daily routines.
Chapter I
Mentioned indirectly through the boarding house context; not present in this chapter.
II
Takes over Miriam's room cleaning, proposes French lessons for Sissie, and encourages Miriam to use the drawing-room.
III
Hosts an evening with Mr. Mendizabal, managing the household with a theatrical flair.
IV
Interacts with Miriam and Dr. von Heber, showing a sociable and cheerful demeanor.
VI
Carves the joint at dinner and expresses her triumphant affectionate sense of Miriam's presence, but also uses a familiar tone that Miriam resents.
VIII
Her house and balcony provide Miriam with a new space for contemplation and rest, a 'gift' of summer peace.
IX
Visits Miriam to discuss gossip about Mr. Mendizabal and Dr. von Heber; expresses concern and regret.
X
Expresses her grievances about Eleanor, hints at a bad opinion, and plans to advertise for Canadian boarders.
Chapter XI
Presides over an early breakfast, politely engaging with the boisterous guests.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Bailey unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Bailey in Interim