# Anne Silvester — Man and Wife character guide > Anne Silvester in Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Anne Silvester, Miss Silvester, Anne **First appearance:** 0001-prologue-the-irish-marriage ## Snapshot A governess of rare beauty and talent, bound by an old schoolgirl vow and a secret that could destroy her. ## Who they are Anne Silvester grew up the gifted, neglected daughter of heartless parents, sent to make her fortune on the stage. Her childhood friendship with Blanche Lundie—sealed in a tearful vow aboard an Indiaman—remains the one pure thing in her life. When a hidden marriage entangles her with Geoffrey Delamayn, her loyalty and silence become both her strength and her trap. ## Relationships ### [Geoffrey Delamayn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/geoffrey_delamayn) _romantic_ Anne is secretly married to Geoffrey, who cruelly abandons and manipulates her, creating a toxic romantic bond. ### [Sir Patrick Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/sir_patrick_lundie) _friendship_ Sir Patrick becomes Anne's loyal ally and protector, helping her navigate her legal and personal troubles. ### [Arnold Brinkworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/arnold_brinkworth) _friendship_ Anne and Arnold share a close, platonic friendship built on mutual support and shared secrets. ### [Blanche Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/blanche_lundie) _friendship_ Anne and Blanche are devoted friends, though their bond is strained by secrets and romantic entanglements. ### [Julius Delamayn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/julius_delamayn) _friendship_ Julius, Geoffrey's brother, is kind and sympathetic to Anne, offering her genuine support. ### [Mr. Bishopriggs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/mr_bishopriggs) _professional_ Mr. Bishopriggs is a hotel servant who assists Anne during her stay, though he is somewhat nosy. ### [Mrs. Glenarm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/mrs_glenarm) _rivalry_ Anne and Mrs. Glenarm are romantic rivals for Geoffrey's attention, though Anne is his secret wife. ### [Sir Patrick Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/sir_patrick_lundie) _friendship_ Sir Patrick becomes Anne's loyal ally and protector, helping her navigate her legal and personal troubles. ### [Blanche Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/blanche_lundie) _friendship_ Anne and Blanche are devoted friends, though their bond is strained by secrets and romantic entanglements. ### [Arnold Brinkworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/arnold_brinkworth) _friendship_ Anne and Arnold share a close, platonic friendship built on mutual support and shared secrets. ### [Arnold Brinkworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/arnold_brinkworth) _friendship_ Anne and Arnold share a close, platonic friendship built on mutual support and shared secrets. ### [Geoffrey Delamayn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/geoffrey_delamayn) _romantic_ Anne is secretly married to Geoffrey, who cruelly abandons and manipulates her, creating a toxic romantic bond. ## In the story ### [Man and Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/man-and-wife) Central figure grappling with the legal and emotional fallout of her marriage. ### [The Villa at Hampstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/i-the-villa-at-hampstead) Arrives at the villa at the end of the chapter, finding her old school-friend Mrs. Vanborough senseless. ### [Parting of Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/i) The other girl; she is to wait in England and later go to Milan for stage training. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii) Briefly appears as Blanche's companion, going into the garden with her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iii) Vanborough's wife, mentioned as the woman he married in Ireland; her marriage is declared legally null. ### [The March of Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii-the-march-of-time) Now a young woman of twenty-two, raised by Lady Lundie and serving as governess and sister to Blanche; she promises Lady Lundie to always be a sister to Blanche. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/v) The dying mother of the younger Anne Silvester; she extracts a promise from Lady Lundie to care for her child and fears her daughter will end like herself. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/viii) Now a young woman of twenty-two, she has lived safely and happily as governess and friend to Blanche under Lady Lundie's protection. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ix) Continues to be trusted and respected by Sir Thomas and the new Lady Lundie; maintains a sisterly relationship with Blanche. ### [The Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/the-story) Central figure in the unfolding story, whose secret marriage and subsequent struggles drive the plot. ### [First Scene: The Summerhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/first-scene-the-summerhouse) Present in the summerhouse, engaging in a secret meeting with Geoffrey Delamayn and discussing their private marriage plans. ### [The Guests](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii-the-guests) The governess, visibly disturbed and reluctant to play croquet; she secretly arranges a meeting with Geoffrey Delamayn. ### [III: The Discoveries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iii-the-discoveries) Anne is visibly anxious and distracted during Blanche's confidences; she shudders at her own reflection and is later seen by Geoffrey Delamayn at the summerhouse entrance. ### [The Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iv-the-two) Confronts Geoffrey with suppressed passion and contempt, reveals her desperation and willingness to destroy herself if he refuses to marry her. ### [The Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/v-the-plan) Devises the plan for a secret marriage in Scotland, showing determination and resourcefulness. ### [The Suitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vi-the-suitor) Leaves the summerhouse in distress after being worn out by her interview with Geoffrey and then confronted by Lady Lundie. ### [VII: The Debt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vii-the-debt) Mentioned as the governess who has left Windygates after writing a letter claiming private marriage; waiting at an inn for Geoffrey to marry her. ### [VIII: The Scandal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/viii-the-scandal) The subject of the scandal; her flight and secret marriage are being investigated by Lady Lundie and Blanche. ### [Second Scene: The Inn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/second-scene-the-inn) Present at the inn, central to the unfolding drama. ### [IX: Anne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ix-anne) Arrives alone at the inn, is refused lodging by Mistress Inchbare, and later confronts Arnold Brinkworth with suspicion and distress. ### [X: Mr. Bishopriggs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/x-mr-bishopriggs) Forced to pose as Arnold's wife under pressure from the landlady; anxious and resentful of the deception. ### [XI: Sir Patrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xi-sir-patrick) Receives Sir Patrick's visit and messages; decides to write to Blanche to prevent conflict. ### [XII: Arnold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xii-arnold) Grows increasingly distressed by their false position as man and wife; resolves to confess the truth to the landlady. ### [Blanche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xiii-blanche) Struggles with guilt and deception, unable to confess the truth to Blanche; decides to remain at the inn awaiting Geoffrey's letter. ### [XIV: Geoffrey as a Letter-Writer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xiv-geoffrey-as-a-letter-writer) The secret anxiety in Geoffrey's mind; she is waiting at a Scottish inn under the assumed name 'Mrs. Silvester'. ### [Geoffrey in the Marriage Market](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xv-geoffrey-in-the-marriage-market) Receives a brief letter from Geoffrey instructing her to stay where she is; remains a hidden complication in Geoffrey's plans. ### [Geoffrey as a Public Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xvi-geoffrey-as-a-public-character) Anne is the unnamed woman Geoffrey has ruined, and she is the primary obstacle preventing him from accepting his family's marriage proposal. ### [Fourth Scene: Windygates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fourth-scene-windygates) Central figure in the unfolding drama, her actions and secrets drive the plot. ### [XVII: Near It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xvii-near-it) Mentioned as the woman Geoffrey plans to deceive; waiting alone at the hotel. ### [XX: Touching It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xx-touching-it) Referenced indirectly as 'the lady' in Geoffrey's fabricated story; her fate hangs on Geoffrey's decision. ### [XXI: Done!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxi-done) Arrives at Windygates looking years older, crushed by solitude and suspense; reveals she left Craig Fernie after a quarrel and a missing letter; seeks to confirm Geoffrey's presence. ### [XXII: Gone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxii-gone) Faints in the library, is revived by Blanche, agrees to see Sir Patrick but flees before he arrives. ### [Backward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxiv-backward) Anne is discussed as the subject of the secret; she has been traced to Kirkandrew and is believed to have grounds to claim marriage. ### [XXVII: Outwitted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxvii-outwitted) Referred to as 'The Person' by Lady Lundie; wrote a farewell letter to Blanche and has disappeared, causing distress. ### [Fifth Scene: Glasgow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fifth-scene-glasgow) Anne is at the center of the unfolding drama in Glasgow, facing the repercussions of her secret marriage and the betrayal by Geoffrey. ### [Anne Among the Lawyers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxix-anne-among-the-lawyers) Travels to Glasgow under the alias Mrs. Graham, consults two lawyers about her marital status, and resolves to write to Geoffrey despite her illness. ### [Anne in the Newspapers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxx-anne-in-the-newspapers) Suffers a stillbirth and lies dangerously ill; delirious, she calls out for 'Mr. Brinkworth,' 'Blanche,' and 'Geoffrey.' ### [Sixth Scene: Swanhaven Lodge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/sixth-scene-swanhaven-lodge) Also at Swanhaven Lodge, facing the repercussions of the secret marriage plot. ### [Seventh Scene: Ham Farm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/seventh-scene-ham-farm) Central figure in the unfolding drama, facing legal and social pressures regarding her marriage. ### [XXXIV: The Night Before](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-night-before) The missing friend; Sir Patrick reveals she was traced to Glasgow and that her secrets are known to Geoffrey Delamayn. ### [XXXVI: The Truth at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-truth-at-last) Her letter to Arnold is enclosed in Arnold's letter to Sir Patrick; she is revealed to have been ill in Glasgow and is now missing. ### [The Way Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-way-out) Referenced as the woman at the center of the legal dispute; her letter and whereabouts are crucial. ### [XXXVIII: The News from Glasgow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-news-from-glasgow) Has left her retreat and traveled north, presumably to confront Geoffrey Delamayn and stop his marriage to Mrs. Glenarm; her actions cause Sir Patrick to worry. ### [Eighth Scene: The Pantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/eighth-scene-the-pantry) Anne is present in the pantry, grappling with the consequences of her secret marriage and the pressure from society. ### [XXXIX: Anne Wins a Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxix-anne-wins-a-victory) Confronts Bishopriggs and successfully retrieves her lost letter, demonstrating her resolve and resourcefulness. ### [Ninth Scene: The Music-Room](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ninth-scene-the-music-room) Reveals her secret marriage to Geoffrey Delamayn and his abandonment of her; seeks comfort and advice from Blanche and Sir Patrick. ### [Julius Makes Mischief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xl-julius-makes-mischief) Confronts Mrs. Glenarm, denies being married to Arnold Brinkworth, and claims Geoffrey promised to marry her, showing a letter as proof. ### [Tenth Scene: The Bedroom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/tenth-scene-the-bedroom) Alone in her bedroom, grappling with despair and the consequences of Geoffrey's betrayal. ### [Lady Lundie Does Her Duty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xli-lady-lundie-does-her-duty) Allegedly secretly married to Arnold Brinkworth; claimed Geoffrey Delamayn at Swanhaven, shaking Mrs. Glenarm's faith. ### [Eleventh Scene: Sir Patrick's House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/eleventh-scene-sir-patrick-s-house) Central figure in the ongoing legal and personal conflict. ### [XLIV: The Letter and the Law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xliv-the-letter-and-the-law) Horrified to learn she is legally married to Geoffrey Delamayn; recounts her visit to Fulham and her failed attempt to speak with him. ### [Thirteenth Scene: Fulham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/thirteenth-scene-fulham) Anne is deeply affected by the events, her fate intertwined with Geoffrey's and the societal expectations placed upon her. ### [Fourteenth Scene: Portland Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fourteenth-scene-portland-place) Though not present, her legal actions and marriage are the central subject of the confrontation. ### [A Scotch Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlvi-a-scotch-marriage) Courageously claims Geoffrey Delamayn as her husband under Scottish law, then submits to his command to leave with him. ### [Fifteenth Scene: Holchester House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fifteenth-scene-holchester-house) The wronged woman at the center of the confrontation, though she does not appear directly in the scene. ### [XLVII: The Last Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlvii-the-last-chance) Revealed as Geoffrey's wife; her safety and the voiding of a legacy codicil are central to the chapter's conflict. ### [Sixteenth Scene: The Inn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/sixteenth-scene-the-inn) Anne is at the inn, grappling with the emotional and practical turmoil of her secret marriage scheme with Geoffrey. ### [XLVIII: The Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlviii-the-place) Enters the cottage as Geoffrey's wife on the memorable evening described. ### [XLIX: The Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlix-the-night) Exhausted and faint, she is taken to Fulham, given a separate room, and warned by Hester Dethridge about Geoffrey's intentions. ### [The Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/l-the-morning) Wakes in the strange cottage, reflects on her hopeless marriage, reads her mother's prayer book, and faces Geoffrey's manipulative kindness and isolation tactics. ### [LI: The Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/li-the-proposal) Silently terrified by Geoffrey's refusal and his violent demeanor; she clings to Julius's hand for support. ### [LII: The Apparition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lii-the-apparition) Terrified by Geoffrey's behavior and her own physical danger; reflects on her changed courage. ### [LIII: What Had Happened in the Hours of Darkness?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/liii-what-had-happened-in-the-hours-of-darkness) Wakes to sunlight, inquires about the night, speaks with Julius about Geoffrey's refusal to separate and the notice to quit. ### [LV: The Signs of the End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lv-the-signs-of-the-end) Receives Blanche's letter and Mr. Speedwell's warning about Geoffrey's health; is instructed by Blanche to prepare for rescue. ### [LVI: The Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lvi-the-means) Briefly appears, delivering a letter from Mrs. Glenarm to Geoffrey before they leave for Holchester House. ### [LVII: The End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lvii-the-end) Returns to the cottage, feels reassured by events at Holchester House, agrees to Sir Patrick's plan for separation, and later awakens to find a gap in the wall and Hester's mad gaze; she screams for help and collapses in the garden. ### [Epilogue A Morning Call](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/epilogue) Her story reaches a conclusion as the aftermath of her trials is addressed. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii) Revealed to be the new Lady Lundie, having married Sir Patrick. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/anne_silvester - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters