Leave It to Psmith · Character

Lady Constance

Lord Emsworth's domineering sister, married to Joseph Keeble, who rules Blandings Castle's social life with an iron sense of propriety.

supporting

Also known as Constance, Connie, Lady Constance Keeble, Aunt Constance, Aunt Connie

First appearance: Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle

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

Enters to ensure Lord Emsworth goes to London; she is the wife of Joseph Keeble and the owner of the necklace targeted in Freddie's scheme.

In the storyDark Plottings at Blandings CastleOpen this moment free

See Lady Constance in Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Lady Constance presides over Blandings with a hostess's conviction that the castle should host the literary and artistic world — a policy that has produced some rare specimens at the dinner table. Her authority is real but not absolute: her brother drifts, her husband has secrets, and the guests she has gathered are not always what they seem. Her approval is the gate through which every impostor must pass, which makes her both the plot's chief obstacle and its most useful unwitting ally.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Lady Constance sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Lady Constance in Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle

Character Web

18 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Blandings Castle residents
Protagonist

+13 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Lord Emsworth
family · negative
Lady Constance is Lord Emsworth's domineering sister, often bossing him around. How this plays out →
Lord Emsworth
family · negative
Lady Constance is Lord Emsworth's domineering sister, often bossing him around. How this plays out →
Lord Emsworth
family · negative
Lady Constance is Lord Emsworth's domineering sister, often bossing him around. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Lady Constance in Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle

In the story

Lady Constance appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle
Enters to ensure Lord Emsworth goes to London; she is the wife of Joseph Keeble and the owner of the necklace targeted in Freddie's scheme.
I
Lady Constance enters to ensure her brother remembers his commitment to fetch the poet; she is described as handsome, imperious, and accustomed to getting her way.
II
Refuses to lend money to Phyllis and Jackson, still angry about Phyllis's marriage.
III
Referenced as the owner of the necklace and the one who controls the finances.
IV
Aunt Constance is the owner of the diamond necklace that Freddie plans to steal.
Baxter Suspects
Hostess; expresses delight at Psmith's arrival; dismisses Baxter's concerns.
I
Mentioned as having invited Ralston McTodd to Blandings after reading his poetry.
III
Welcomes Psmith with amiability but conveys a formidable impression; comments on the telegram cancelling the visit.
VI
Her necklace is the object Baxter believes Psmith intends to steal.
III
Her necklace is the target of Cootes's thwarted theft plan.
IV
Mentioned as the owner of the diamond necklace and the hostess who has taken a shine to Miss Peavey.
Sensational Occurrence at a Poetry Reading
Her diamond necklace is thrown from the window during the blackout.
I
Mentioned as the owner of the diamond necklace that Peavey plans to steal; she is to be seated in front of Peavey during the reading.
III
Keeble's wife; her diamond necklace is the target of the theft plot, though she is not directly present.
IV
Arranges for Psmith to read poetry; her diamond necklace is stolen during the blackout.
Almost Entirely About Flowerpots
Mentioned as the owner of the necklace Baxter believes is in a flowerpot.
More on the Flowerpot Theme
In a state bordering on collapse after the theft; brightens when Mr. Keeble promises to buy her a new necklace.
Psmith Accepts Employment
Rebukes Lord Emsworth for dismissing Baxter, arguing he will be helpless without a capable secretary.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lady Constance unlock in the free preview.

See Lady Constance in Dark Plottings at Blandings Castle