Leave It to Psmith · Character

Aileen Peavey

A soulful American poetess whose wistful manner conceals a sharp, slangy schemer — and a past with the man now calling himself Cootes.

supporting

Also known as Miss Aileen Peavey, Miss Peavey, Aileen, Fancy Miss Peavey

First appearance: i dark plottings at blandings castle

As a supporting figure in Leave It to Psmith, Aileen Peavey is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Poetess staying at Blandings; asks Psmith for an autograph; defends him against Baxter.

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A guest at Blandings Castle, Miss Peavey drifts through its literary society with a delicate, spiritual air that her hostess's relations find something of a strain. Yet her solitude on a country road reveals a woman who sings the Beale Street Blues and greets a long-lost accomplice with 'Well, if this ain't the cat's whiskers!' That reunion turns her from wistful ornament into the plot's most resourceful operator, coolly engineering schemes while wearing her soulful face.

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

In this chapter, Psmith’s acceptance of employment—ostensibly as a gardener—marks the emotional and psychologi…

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In the story

Aileen Peavey appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Baxter Suspects
Poetess staying at Blandings; asks Psmith for an autograph; defends him against Baxter.
I
Mentioned as a poetess staying at Blandings; asked Lord Emsworth if dew is fairies' teardrops.
III
Flutters around Psmith, calls him 'Maître' and 'Master', presses her autograph-book on him; holds his hand until Freddie interrupts.
I
Admires Psmith's charm and poetic soul; asks about Miss Halliday.
II
Mentioned in reference to Psmith's earlier conversation with her; appears briefly at the end of the chapter.
VI
Her autograph album provided the handwriting sample that Baxter used to expose Psmith.
Psmith Engages a Valet
Returns early from the unveiling due to a headache, walks back to the castle, and unexpectedly meets Cootes on the road.
II
Miss Peavey returns early from Lord Emsworth's speech due to a headache and begins walking back to the castle.
III
Enjoys a solitary walk, sings 'The Beale Street Blues,' and is shocked to encounter Edward Cootes, recognizing him as Eddie.
IV
Reunites with Eddie Cootes on the road; reveals she is visiting Blandings Castle and is after Lady Constance's diamond necklace.
V
Miss Peavey returns early from Bridgeford and engages Psmith in conversation about his poetry before letting him go.
Sensational Occurrence at a Poetry Reading
Walks in the Yew Alley, worrying about Cootes' disappearance; meets him and discusses her scheme for the necklace.
I
Walks alone in the Yew Alley, brooding over Cootes' absence; reveals her scheme to steal Lady Constance's diamond necklace during the poetry reading.
More on the Flowerpot Theme
Observes Eve and Psmith in the Yew Alley; deduces Eve was on the terrace during the theft and that the necklace is hidden in Psmith's cottage.
Psmith Receives Guests
Enters in a black and silver dress, gathers the necklace, and rebukes Cootes for his clumsiness.
IV
Revealed as a criminal accomplice to Cootes, she seizes the necklace and defies Psmith, but is forced to relinquish it when Cootes surrenders.
V
Revealed as a thief; Psmith expresses a grudging respect for her deeper nature.

Chapter companion notes

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See Aileen Peavey in i dark plottings at blandings castle

See Aileen Peavey in Baxter Suspects