# Mrs. Bailey — Interim character guide

> Mrs. Bailey in Interim by Dorothy M. Richardson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** missuz Bailey

**First appearance:** 0001-interim

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [Miriam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/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.

### [Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/eve)

_social_

Eve is a frequent visitor to Mrs. Bailey's home, maintaining a polite but superficial social acquaintance.

### [Dr. von Heber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/dr_von_heber)

_professional_

Dr. von Heber and Mrs. Bailey collaborate professionally regarding Miriam's care, but their alliance is fraught with mutual suspicion.

### [Mr. Mendizabal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mr_mendizabal)

_social_

Mr. Mendizabal is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Bailey, often visiting her home but keeping a formal distance.

### [The doctors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/the_doctors)

_professional_

Mrs. Bailey interacts with the doctors as a concerned caretaker, but she also tries to control their decisions regarding Miriam.

### [Eleanor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/eleanor)

_family_

Eleanor is Mrs. Bailey's daughter, and their relationship is close but marked by Mrs. Bailey's domineering nature.

### [Dr. von Heber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/dr_von_heber)

_professional_

Dr. von Heber and Mrs. Bailey collaborate professionally regarding Miriam's care, but their alliance is fraught with mutual suspicion.

### [The doctors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/the_doctors)

_professional_

Mrs. Bailey interacts with the doctors as a concerned caretaker, but she also tries to control their decisions regarding Miriam.

### [Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/eve)

_social_

Eve is a frequent visitor to Mrs. Bailey's home, maintaining a polite but superficial social acquaintance.

### [Miriam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/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.

### [Mr. Mendizabal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mr_mendizabal)

_social_

Mr. Mendizabal is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Bailey, often visiting her home but keeping a formal distance.

### [Mr. Mendizabal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mr_mendizabal)

_social_

Mr. Mendizabal is a polite acquaintance of Mrs. Bailey, often visiting her home but keeping a formal distance.

## In the story

### [Interim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/interim)

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

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned indirectly through the boarding house context; not present in this chapter.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/ii)

Takes over Miriam's room cleaning, proposes French lessons for Sissie, and encourages Miriam to use the drawing-room.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/iii)

Hosts an evening with Mr. Mendizabal, managing the household with a theatrical flair.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/iv)

Interacts with Miriam and Dr. von Heber, showing a sociable and cheerful demeanor.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/viii)

Her house and balcony provide Miriam with a new space for contemplation and rest, a 'gift' of summer peace.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/ix)

Visits Miriam to discuss gossip about Mr. Mendizabal and Dr. von Heber; expresses concern and regret.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/x)

Expresses her grievances about Eleanor, hints at a bad opinion, and plans to advertise for Canadian boarders.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/chapters/xi)

Presides over an early breakfast, politely engaging with the boisterous guests.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters/mrs_bailey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/interim_se/characters