I
A large, well-developed girl of fifteen, not yet pretty but with potential for 'grandiose' beauty. She is imaginative, self-dramatizing, and eager to assume the role of mistress of her father's house, but is rebuffed by her father.
II
The protagonist, returning home with a mission to reorganize Carlingford society; she is self-assured, strategic, and determined.
III
The large and blooming young woman traveling in the Swiss mountains, destined to reorganize Carlingford society.
Chapter IV
Conducts a strategic survey of Carlingford, discovers Rose Lake's singing talent, and returns home determined to reorganize the household.
V
Returns home, snubs Mrs. Woodburn, and recruits Barbara Lake for a musical partnership.
Chapter VI
Argues for a green drawing-room to suit her complexion and announces her intention to hold 'Evenings' instead of parties.
VII
Orchestrates the dinner party, manages Tom, visits Mr. Holden's, and weighs inviting Barbara Lake.
Chapter VIII
Hosts a successful dinner, worries about Miss Bury's reaction to the luncheon, and receives a visit from Mr. Bury and Mrs. Mortimer.
Chapter IX
Handles Tom's proposal with calm practicality, deflecting it as a sign of illness and advising him to pack for his journey.
The First Thursday Evening
Hosts the first Thursday evening with masterful social orchestration, managing guests and keeping an eye on Barbara Lake.
Chapter XI
Reflects on Mr. Cavendish's attentions and her mission in Carlingford, considering the possibility of becoming an MP's wife.
Chapter XII
Hosts the second Thursday evening with masterful control, sacrificing personal feelings to maintain the event's character.
Chapter XIII
Demonstrates superior self-control and magnanimity when Mr. Cavendish flirts with Barbara Lake; her social reign becomes firmly established.
Chapter XV
Receives Mrs. Chiley's visit and news of the Archdeacon; focuses on garden arrangements for her evening gathering; shows resilience and strategic thinking.
Chapter XVI
Hosts the dinner party with grace, tells a humorous story about Nancy, and manages the social crisis with presence of mind.
Chapter XVII
Recruits Rose Lake to replace Barbara at her Thursday gathering, demonstrating her strategic social planning and confidence in her own abilities.
Chapter XVIII
Hosts the evening with magnanimity, stands by her friends, and shows kindness to Barbara despite her own concerns about an impostor.
XIX
Regrets the interrupted proposal but maintains composure; persuades Rose Lake to attend social events for the community's benefit; later receives Mr. Cavendish's unexpected visit.
Chapter XX
Mentioned as a potential wife for Mr. Cavendish, valued for her connections and social influence.
XXI
Relieved that Mr. Cavendish did not propose; writes to Mrs. Chiley expressing gratitude; discusses Cavendish with her father and reaffirms her commitment to her ten-year plan.
XXII
Leads the Archdeacon to Mrs. Mortimer's school, reflecting on his softened manner and anticipating a possible proposal.
Chapter XXIII
Regains her serenity after the initial shock, tends to Mrs. Mortimer's garden, receives the widow's note, and resolves to manage the social situation involving the Archdeacon and Mr. Cavendish.
XXIV
Engages in a calculated dialogue with the Archdeacon, using hints and feigned distress to manipulate his perceptions.
XXV
Visits Mrs. Woodburn early to investigate Mr. Cavendish's disappearance and possible name change; demonstrates strategic thinking and self-possession.
XXVI
Snubs General Travers to assert social control, then listens to Rose Lake's confession about Barbara's clandestine behavior.
XXVIII
Visits the Lakes with strategic social aims; later confronts Mr. Cavendish about rumors.
XXIX
Writes a bold letter to Mr. Cavendish, urging him to attend her Thursday gathering and trust her plan.
XXXI
Confides in Mrs. Chiley about the Archdeacon's marriage and her own steadfast purpose; heroically invites Mrs. Mortimer to her Thursday evening; waits for Mr. Cavendish and feels regretful compassion for his decline toward Barbara Lake.
XXXII
Flushed and anxious at first, she regains composure and orchestrates the evening's drama, leading Mr. Cavendish to Mrs. Mortimer and facing the Archdeacon's wrath.
XXXIII
Demonstrates genius by staying out of the way during the Archdeacon's outburst, managing the situation with instinctive social skill.
Chapter XXXIV
Lucilla decides to give up Mr. Cavendish, advising him to marry Barbara Lake, and later feels a sense of duty and loneliness.
XXXVI
Enters the second period of her career with a sense of failure but undaunted courage, facing the lack of proposals and continuing her social work.
XXXVII
Now twenty-nine, Lucilla reflects on the passage of ten years and her unfulfilled expectations. She actively promotes Mr. Ashburton's candidacy, choosing his colors and orchestrating public support.
XXXVIII
Busy electioneering and managing Aunt Jemima's visit; conflicted about Mr. Cavendish's return while committed to Mr. Ashburton.
XXXIX
Resolves to support Mr. Ashburton after dismissing Mr. Cavendish's sentimental appeal; visits Mrs. Chiley and Mrs. Woodburn; returns home to care for Aunt Jemima.
Chapter XL
Appears fatigued and languid after sitting for photographs; candidly remarks on Mr. Cavendish's changed appearance and tactlessly mentions his past humiliation.
Chapter XLII
Contemplates her future as she nears thirty, feeling her social influence lacks a worthy end; considers marrying a poor man as an experiment.
Chapter XLIII
Grieves for her father while wrestling with involuntary thoughts about her future and social position.
Chapter XLIV
Grieving and shocked by the news of her poverty, but quickly calculates her income and resolves to stay in her own house rather than flee or accept charity.
Chapter XLV
Decides to remain in Grange Lane despite universal disapproval, supported only by Nancy.
Chapter XLVI
Resists advice to leave Carlingford after her father's death, muses on her future, and decides to let things take their course.
XLVII
Learns of Mr. Cavendish's visit to the Lake house but resolves to keep it secret for fair play.
Chapter XLVIII
Watches the election from her window, struggles with suspense, and maintains composure.
XLIX
Torn between accepting Mr. Ashburton's sensible proposal and a romantic fantasy of 'other people'.
LI
Contemplates her past social achievements and future plans, proposing the purchase of Marchbank estate to Tom.
Chapter the Last
Engaged to Tom, she prepares to leave Grange Lane for Marchbank, feeling a sense of destiny and satisfaction in her future role.
