# Lucilla Marjoribanks — Miss Marjoribanks character guide > Lucilla Marjoribanks in Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lucilla, Miss Lucilla, dear Lucilla, the bland Lucilla, the candid Lucilla, the experienced Lucilla, the Marjoribanks **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot A brilliantly calculating young woman who returns home to manage her widowed father's household and quietly reorganize all of Carlingford society. ## Who they are Lucilla arrives in Carlingford armed with novels, popular philosophy, and a genius for social strategy, determined to become the indispensable center of the town's drawing rooms. Her masterstroke is the duet: she sacrifices her own solo applause to pair herself with a contralto, converting rivalry into a spectacle that serves her larger design. What makes her irresistible is that she is entirely sincere about her schemes and entirely self-aware about her sincerity, which is either the highest form of virtue or the most elegant form of ambition. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Chiley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/mrs_chiley) _friendship_ Lucilla and Mrs. Chiley are close confidantes, with Mrs. Chiley acting as a mentor and ally in Carlingford society. ### [Mr. Cavendish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/mr_cavendish) _romantic_ Lucilla and Mr. Cavendish share a flirtatious and ambiguous romantic tension, with Cavendish as a persistent suitor. ### [Tom Marjoribanks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/tom_marjoribanks) _family_ Tom is Lucilla's cousin and a close companion, often supporting her social schemes with familial loyalty. ### [Archdeacon Beverley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/archdeacon_beverley) _social_ Archdeacon Beverley is a respected elder in Carlingford who interacts with Lucilla as a prominent figure in local society. ### [Mr. Ashburton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/mr_ashburton) _romantic_ Mr. Ashburton is a serious suitor of Lucilla, representing a more stable but less exciting romantic option. ### [Barbara Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/barbara_lake) _rivalry_ Barbara Lake is a jealous rival to Lucilla, competing for social status and romantic attention. ### [Dr. Marjoribanks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/dr_marjoribanks) _family_ Dr. Marjoribanks is Lucilla's father, who indulges her ambitions while maintaining a bemused paternal authority. ### [Rose Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/rose_lake) _friendship_ Rose Lake is a gentle friend of Lucilla, often caught between loyalty to Lucilla and her sister Barbara. ### [Papa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/papa) _family_ Lucilla's relationship with her father (Dr. Marjoribanks) is affectionate and respectful, though she often manages him. ### [Aunt Jemima](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/aunt_jemima) _family_ Aunt Jemima is Lucilla's well-meaning but somewhat fussy aunt, who often assists in domestic matters. ### [Colonel Chiley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/colonel_chiley) _friendship_ Colonel Chiley is a kindly older friend of Lucilla, often supporting her social endeavors alongside his wife. ### [Nancy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/nancy) _professional_ Nancy is Lucilla's loyal maid, who assists her with household and social preparations. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/ii) The protagonist, returning home with a mission to reorganize Carlingford society; she is self-assured, strategic, and determined. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/iii) The large and blooming young woman traveling in the Swiss mountains, destined to reorganize Carlingford society. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/iv) Conducts a strategic survey of Carlingford, discovers Rose Lake's singing talent, and returns home determined to reorganize the household. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/v) Returns home, snubs Mrs. Woodburn, and recruits Barbara Lake for a musical partnership. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/vi) Argues for a green drawing-room to suit her complexion and announces her intention to hold 'Evenings' instead of parties. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/vii) Orchestrates the dinner party, manages Tom, visits Mr. Holden's, and weighs inviting Barbara Lake. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/x) Hosts the first Thursday evening with masterful social orchestration, managing guests and keeping an eye on Barbara Lake. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xi) Reflects on Mr. Cavendish's attentions and her mission in Carlingford, considering the possibility of becoming an MP's wife. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xii) Hosts the second Thursday evening with masterful control, sacrificing personal feelings to maintain the event's character. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xiii) Demonstrates superior self-control and magnanimity when Mr. Cavendish flirts with Barbara Lake; her social reign becomes firmly established. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xvi) Hosts the dinner party with grace, tells a humorous story about Nancy, and manages the social crisis with presence of mind. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xvii) Recruits Rose Lake to replace Barbara at her Thursday gathering, demonstrating her strategic social planning and confidence in her own abilities. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xviii) Hosts the evening with magnanimity, stands by her friends, and shows kindness to Barbara despite her own concerns about an impostor. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xx) Mentioned as a potential wife for Mr. Cavendish, valued for her connections and social influence. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxii) Leads the Archdeacon to Mrs. Mortimer's school, reflecting on his softened manner and anticipating a possible proposal. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxiv) Engages in a calculated dialogue with the Archdeacon, using hints and feigned distress to manipulate his perceptions. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxv) Visits Mrs. Woodburn early to investigate Mr. Cavendish's disappearance and possible name change; demonstrates strategic thinking and self-possession. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxvi) Snubs General Travers to assert social control, then listens to Rose Lake's confession about Barbara's clandestine behavior. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxviii) Visits the Lakes with strategic social aims; later confronts Mr. Cavendish about rumors. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxix) Writes a bold letter to Mr. Cavendish, urging him to attend her Thursday gathering and trust her plan. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxiii) Demonstrates genius by staying out of the way during the Archdeacon's outburst, managing the situation with instinctive social skill. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxiv) Lucilla decides to give up Mr. Cavendish, advising him to marry Barbara Lake, and later feels a sense of duty and loneliness. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxviii) Busy electioneering and managing Aunt Jemima's visit; conflicted about Mr. Cavendish's return while committed to Mr. Ashburton. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xliii) Grieves for her father while wrestling with involuntary thoughts about her future and social position. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlv) Decides to remain in Grange Lane despite universal disapproval, supported only by Nancy. ### [Chapter XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlvi) Resists advice to leave Carlingford after her father's death, muses on her future, and decides to let things take their course. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlvii) Learns of Mr. Cavendish's visit to the Lake house but resolves to keep it secret for fair play. ### [Chapter XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlviii) Watches the election from her window, struggles with suspense, and maintains composure. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xlix) Torn between accepting Mr. Ashburton's sensible proposal and a romantic fantasy of 'other people'. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/li) Contemplates her past social achievements and future plans, proposing the purchase of Marchbank estate to Tom. ### [Chapter the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters/lucilla_marjoribanks - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/characters