# Mistress Ridd — Lorna Doone character guide > Mistress Ridd in Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** Mistress Ridd **First appearance:** 0000-i-elements-of-education ## Who they are John's mother, also referred to by her married name. ## In the story ### [A Very Rash Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/iv-a-very-rash-visit) John's mother, who bravely goes to the Doone valley to confront the outlaws after her husband's death. ### [Necessary Practice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/vi-necessary-practice) John's mother, still mourning her husband and worrying about John. ### [Hard It Is to Climb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/vii-hard-it-is-to-climb) Mentioned as John's mother who could spare him from farm work in summer. ### [Tom Deserves His Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xi-tom-deserves-his-supper) Initially furious with Tom for endangering John, but later softens and invites him to stay for a hearty meal. ### [Master Huckaback Comes In](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xiii-master-huckaback-comes-in) John's mother; presses Uncle Reuben to visit and tends to him after his ordeal. ### [A Motion Which Ends in a Mull](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xiv-a-motion-which-ends-in-a-mull) Defends her children and John against Uncle Reuben's harsh words, then tries to mediate the dispute. ### [John Is Bewitched](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xvii-john-is-bewitched) John's mother is worried about his strange behavior and half-believes the mad dog rumor, surreptitiously placing pans of water near him to test for hydrophobia. ### [A Royal Invitation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxiii-a-royal-invitation) John's mother, who is initially alarmed by the summons but is reassured by Stickles. ### [A Safe Pass for King's Messenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxiv-a-safe-pass-for-king-s-messenger) John's mother, who is distressed by his leaving and has pinched to send him to London. ### [A Great Man Attends to Business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxv-a-great-man-attends-to-business) John's mother, mentioned as keeping him financially during his stay in London. ### [Home Again at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxvii-home-again-at-last) Overjoyed to see John, holds him tight, cries, and thanks God, though she later scolds Mrs. Fry for attributing his return to the Lord. ### [John Has Hope of Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxviii-john-has-hope-of-lorna) John's mother, referenced in the context of his duty to family. ### [Two Negatives Make an Affirmative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxiv-two-negatives-make-an-affirmative) Mother Ridd is initially upset by both Tom's proposal and John's news about Lorna, but gradually softens. ### [Ruth Is Not Like Lorna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xxxv-ruth-is-not-like-lorna) John's mother devises plans to rescue Lorna and inadvertently offends Ruth Huckaback. ### [Brought Home at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xliv-brought-home-at-last) John's mother; welcomes Lorna with tears and a blessing, and helps care for her. ### [Squire Faggus Makes Some Lucky Hits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlvi-squire-faggus-makes-some-lucky-hits) John's mother; concerned about propriety and Tom's past; calls Lorna 'the young mistress' and defends her dignity. ### [Jeremy in Danger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlvii-jeremy-in-danger) Reconciles with Tom Faggus after Annie's persuasion; fetches Lorna to examine the necklace. ### [XLVIII: Every Man Must Defend Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/xlviii-every-man-must-defend-himself) Mother Ridd comforts Lorna after her encounter with Carver Doone. ### [A Visit from the Counsellor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/li-a-visit-from-the-counsellor) Hosts the Counsellor; listens to his harangue and later gives her approval to the marriage. ### [LII: The Way to Make the Cream Rise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lii-the-way-to-make-the-cream-rise) Mother Ridd is briefly mentioned as being impressed by the Counsellor's courtesy after his visit. ### [Getting Into Chancery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lv-getting-into-chancery) John's mother, worried about the implications of Lorna's parentage and the growing distance between herself and Lorna. ### [Lorna Knows Her Nurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lvii-lorna-knows-her-nurse) Shares concerns with John about Tom Faggus's steadiness; wants Uncle Reuben's presence at the wedding. ### [LX: Annie Luckier Than John](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lx-annie-luckier-than-john) John feels neglected by her lack of sympathy during his trouble. ### [John Is Worsted by the Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxiii-john-is-worsted-by-the-women) John's mother, who argues with Annie about the plan but later relents; John leaves without saying goodbye to avoid further conflict. ### [John Is John No Longer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxviii-john-is-john-no-longer) Mentioned as worrying about John and the farm; sends provisions via packhorses. ### [How to Get Out of Chancery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/chapters/lxxiii-how-to-get-out-of-chancery) Expresses concern about Lorna giving up her money, pragmatically suggests buying Farmer Snowe's farm, and later sits in an ancient chair watching Lorna with emotion. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters/mistress_ridd - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lorna_doone_se/characters