# Amelia Butterworth — Lost Man’s Lane character guide

> Amelia Butterworth in Lost Man’s Lane by Anna Katharine Green.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Miss Butterworth, Amelia, Dear Miss Butterworth

**First appearance:** 0004-i-a-visit-from-mr-gryce

## Snapshot

A sharp-eyed spinster visitor whose curiosity and moral confidence push her past the Knollys sisters' evasions and into the heart of their secret.

## Who they are

Miss Butterworth comes to the lane as a guest and quickly becomes an investigator, watching the sisters, testing the household, and refusing to be managed. She is vain about her own perspicacity yet genuinely compassionate, and her sympathy for the grieving women wars with her determination to know the truth. Her first-person narration gives the mystery its voice — part gossip, part detective, wholly unwilling to look away.

## In the story

### [Lost Man’s Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/lost-man-s-lane)

Leads the investigation into the disappearances on Lost Man’s Lane.

### [Book I: The Knollys Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/book-i-the-knollys-family)

The narrator and protagonist, a sharp-witted spinster who inserts herself into the Knollys family affairs.

### [A Visit from Mr. Gryce](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/i-a-visit-from-mr-gryce)

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on her past detective work and her relationship with Mr. Gryce.

### [I Am Tempted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/ii-i-am-tempted)

Listens to Gryce's account, initially resists his implied invitation, but is tempted upon learning X is home to Althea Knollys's children.

### [III: I Succumb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/iii-i-succumb)

The narrator and protagonist, who decides to visit the Knollys family after feeling guilty about neglecting her dead friend's children.

### [A Ghostly Interior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/iv-a-ghostly-interior)

Arrives at the Knollys mansion and observes Lucetta's odd behavior, trying to understand the source of her fear.

### [A Strange Household](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/v-a-strange-household)

The narrator, observant and curious, notes the sisters' odd behavior and the household's oppressive atmosphere.

### [VI: A Sombre Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/vi-a-sombre-evening)

Observes the sisters' strange behavior and is suspicious of the household's secrets.

### [The First Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/vii-the-first-night)

Narrator and protagonist; she is observant, suspicious, and resourceful, using her senses to detect deception.

### [On the Stairs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/viii-on-the-stairs)

Overhears a plot to exclude her from the house and resolves to investigate the family's secrets.

### [A New Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/ix-a-new-acquaintance)

Receives a letter from Mr. Gryce via Mr. Trohm; observes Lucetta's terror and William's selfishness; maintains composure despite unease.

### [Secret Instructions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/x-secret-instructions)

Receives secret instructions from Mr. Gryce and decides to ride into town to avoid suspicion.

### [Men, Women, and Ghosts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xi-men-women-and-ghosts)

Arranges for a key to her door, engages with the locksmith about local superstitions, and rides with Mr. Simsbury, showing her determination and skepticism.

### [The Phantom Coach](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xii-the-phantom-coach)

Miss Butterworth is the narrator and protagonist, stranded at the hotel and determined to gather information about the phantom coach and the Knollys family.

### [XIII: Gossip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xiii-gossip)

Engages in gossip with Mrs. Carter, defends Lucetta's potential courage, and reflects on her own unmarried state.

### [XIV: I Forget My Age, or, Rather, Remember It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xiv-i-forget-my-age-or-rather-remember-it)

Miss Butterworth rides with Mr. Trohm, trying to gain information about the Knollys family and the lane's mysteries.

### [Book II: The Flower Parlor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/book-ii-the-flower-parlor)

Investigates the Flower Parlor with Mr. Gryce, observing details and deducing connections.

### [XV: Lucetta Fulfils My Expectation of Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xv-lucetta-fulfils-my-expectation-of-her)

Witnesses the farewell scene, maintains composure, and reflects on Lucetta's character.

### [XVI: Loreen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xvi-loreen)

Amelia probes Loreen about the phantom coach and the family's secrets, and she theorizes that the sisters are hiding a prisoner—likely Silly Rufus—in the house.

### [The Flower Parlor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xvii-the-flower-parlor)

Sneaks into the Flower Parlor, discovers a disturbing book, marks the window, and later explores the locked drawing-room.

### [The Second Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xviii-the-second-night)

Maintains a stern watch through the night, falls asleep, and is locked in her room by an unseen hand. She questions Hannah about the key and matches, suspecting deceit.

### [A Knot of Crape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xix-a-knot-of-crape)

Narrator and investigator; remains vigilant despite the family's improved spirits, using her wits to explore the grounds and confirm her suspicions.

### [Questions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xx-questions)

Reflects on her morning encounter with Mr. Trohm and the puzzling knot of crape, while maintaining her composure and discretion.

### [Mother Jane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxi-mother-jane)

Narrates the chapter; confronts William's suspicions about Mr. Trohm and attempts to persuade Mother Jane to work.

### [The Third Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxii-the-third-night)

Narrator and observer; she devises a plan to witness the night's events and follows the funeral procession.

### [Book III: Forward and Back](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/book-iii-forward-and-back)

Actively investigates and reflects on the Knollys family secrets.

### [Room 3, Hotel Carter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxiii-room-3-hotel-carter)

Narrator and protagonist; she secures Room 3 at the hotel to compose her account, determined to exonerate the Knollys sisters while exposing the family secret.

### [The Enigma of Numbers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxiv-the-enigma-of-numbers)

Engages in a sharp debate with Mr. Gryce, revealing her own investigative discoveries about the knot of crape and William's room.

### [Trifles, but Not Trifling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxv-trifles-but-not-trifling)

Shares her theory about the burial and insists the remains are human, challenging Mr. Gryce's assumptions.

### [A Point Gained](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxvi-a-point-gained)

Presents her deductions about the shoes and dress found in William's room, and connects the phantom coach to the crime.

### [The Text Witnesseth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxvii-the-text-witnesseth)

Returns from town, feigns a quarrel with Mrs. Carter to gain access to the family Bible, and discovers a marked funeral passage in Corinthians.

### [An Intrusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxviii-an-intrusion)

Resolves to remain quiet and sustain her role as visitor and friend; hastens to investigate Lucetta's cry.

### [XXIX: In the Cellar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxix-in-the-cellar)

Observes the scene silently, is asked by Lucetta to stand as their friend, and recalls her promise to their mother.

### [Investigation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxx-investigation)

Present at the exhumation, identifies the body as Althea Knollys, and struggles with the emotional ordeal.

### [Strategy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxi-strategy)

Learns the truth and devises a strategy to help Mr. Gryce by planting tacks in William's boots.

### [Relief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxii-relief)

Narrates the chapter; feels relief and gladness that the investigation has failed, revealing her compassion beyond the detective instinct.

### [Book IV: The Birds of the Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/book-iv-the-birds-of-the-air)

Continues her investigative role, probing into the family's past.

### [XXXIII: Lucetta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxiii-lucetta)

Rises early, takes a morning stroll, meets Mr. Trohm, and later reassures Lucetta about not gossiping.

### [Conditions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxiv-conditions)

Observes the events, questions Mr. Gryce about the telegram, and expresses concern for Lucetta's health.

### [The Dove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxv-the-dove)

Frustrated with her lack of progress, she takes initiative by interrogating Mother Jane and discovers the dove's role in the crime.

### [An Hour of Startling Experiences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxvi-an-hour-of-startling-experiences)

Drives the investigation forward, manipulates William, and has a tense encounter with Mr. Trohm.

### [I Astonish Mr. Gryce and He Astonishes Me](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxvii-i-astonish-mr-gryce-and-he-astonishes-me)

Discovers the truth about the ring and the hidden man in the barn loft; confronts Mr. Gryce with her findings.

### [A Few Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-few-words)

Struggles with conflicting emotions and the burden of keeping Mr. Ostrander's hiding place secret from Lucetta.

### [Under a Crimson Sky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xxxix-under-a-crimson-sky)

Follows Loreen through a secret path to spy on Lucetta's confrontation; helps find the spring to open the trapdoor.

### [Explanations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/chapters/xl-explanations)

Organizes the wedding preparations, writes letters, and receives Mr. Gryce's compliment.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/characters/amelia_butterworth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_man_s_lane_se/characters