# Lady Mason — Orley Farm character guide > Lady Mason in Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** young Mason, Mason, dear Lady Mason, crushing Lady Mason, Dear Lady Mason, poor Lady Mason, Very Noble Lady Mason, LIII Lady Mason **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-commencement-of-the-great-orley-farm-case ## Snapshot A bankrupt's daughter turned baronet's widow, she holds Orley Farm for her son while whispers of a forged codicil gather around her name. ## Who they are Trollope warns us plainly that the interest of this tale centers on Lady Mason, though she is not its marriageable heroine. Raised from commerce into Sir Joseph Mason's household, she now clings to Orley Farm for her son Lucius while her stepson's lawyers circle. Her quiet dignity under suspicion, and the tears she sheds when pressed to fight back, make her the moral and emotional hinge of the whole book. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Orme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/mrs_orme) _friendship_ Mrs. Orme is Lady Mason's closest confidante and moral supporter during the trial, offering unwavering kindness and loyalty. ### [Mr. Furnival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/mr_furnival) _professional_ Mr. Furnival is Lady Mason's defense attorney, deeply invested in her case and personally conflicted by his professional duty and growing admiration. ### [Lucius Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/lucius_mason) _family_ Lady Mason is Lucius Mason's mother, and their relationship is strained by secrets and her desperate attempts to protect him. ### [Sir Peregrine Orme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/sir_peregrine_orme) _romantic_ Sir Peregrine Orme develops a romantic attachment to Lady Mason, proposing marriage to protect her reputation despite the scandal. ### [Felix Graham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/felix_graham) _friendship_ Felix Graham sympathizes with Lady Mason's plight and offers her legal advice and moral support during her trial. ### [Samuel Dockwrath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/samuel_dockwrath) _rivalry_ Samuel Dockwrath is Lady Mason's bitter enemy, relentlessly pursuing evidence to expose her past perjury and ruin her. ### [Mother Smiley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/mother_smiley) _family_ Lady Mason is Mother Smiley's daughter-in-law, and their relationship is fraught with tension and mutual suspicion. ### [Lucius Mason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/lucius_mason) _family_ Lady Mason is Lucius Mason's mother, and their relationship is strained by secrets and her desperate attempts to protect him. ### [Mrs. Orme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/mrs_orme) _friendship_ Mrs. Orme is Lady Mason's closest confidante and moral supporter during the trial, offering unwavering kindness and loyalty. ### [Sir Peregrine Orme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/sir_peregrine_orme) _romantic_ Sir Peregrine Orme develops a romantic attachment to Lady Mason, proposing marriage to protect her reputation despite the scandal. ### [Mrs. Orme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/mrs_orme) _friendship_ Mrs. Orme is Lady Mason's closest confidante and moral supporter during the trial, offering unwavering kindness and loyalty. ### [Sir Peregrine Orme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/sir_peregrine_orme) _romantic_ Sir Peregrine Orme develops a romantic attachment to Lady Mason, proposing marriage to protect her reputation despite the scandal. ## In the story ### [The Commencement of the Great Orley Farm Case](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/i-the-commencement-of-the-great-orley-farm-case) The widow of Sir Joseph Mason, who successfully defended the codicil leaving Orley Farm to her son Lucius; she is portrayed as a woman of high character and talent. ### [Lady Mason and Her Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/ii-lady-mason-and-her-son) Introduced as a tall, comely, and quiet widow of forty-seven, known for her prudence and energy. She is the central figure of the chapter, with her past marriage, trial, and current life detailed. ### [The Perils of Youth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/iv-the-perils-of-youth) Seeks Sir Peregrine's advice about her son Lucius's farming expenses and later writes to him for further counsel. ### [Sir Peregrine Makes a Second Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/v-sir-peregrine-makes-a-second-promise) Anxious about renewed legal threats from Dockwrath; seeks and receives Sir Peregrine's promise of support. ### [The Masons of Groby Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/vii-the-masons-of-groby-park) Referenced as the object of Joseph Mason's hatred; the codicil that gave her Orley Farm is under suspicion. ### [X: Mr., Mrs., and Miss Furnival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/x-mr-mrs-and-miss-furnival) Mentioned as the object of Mr. Furnival's attention, causing Mrs. Furnival's jealousy. ### [Mr. Furnival’s Chambers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xii-mr-furnival-s-chambers) Visits Mr. Furnival's chambers, dressed plainly but carefully, seeking legal advice about Dockwrath's discovery and the threat to Orley Farm. ### [Guilty, or Not Guilty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xiii-guilty-or-not-guilty) Visits Mr. Furnival for legal advice and is subjected to Mrs. Furnival's jealousy; she tearfully expresses her sorrow and fear for her son Lucius. ### [Dinner at the Cleeve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xiv-dinner-at-the-cleeve) Anxious about her friendship with Sir Peregrine and Mrs. Orme; asks Lucius to be forbearing with Sir Peregrine. ### [A Morning Call at Mount Pleasant Villa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xv-a-morning-call-at-mount-pleasant-villa) Visits Mrs. Orme and Mrs. Arkwright; learns of rumors about a new trial; resolves to inform Lucius. ### [The Staveley Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xix-the-staveley-family) Discussed as the subject of renewed forgery allegations; Sir Peregrine defends her and she is invited to The Cleeve. ### [Mr. Dockwrath in His Own Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xx-mr-dockwrath-in-his-own-office) Implores Lucius not to confront Dockwrath, fearing the consequences; sits in silent distress with her son. ### [Mr. Furnival Again at His Chambers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxv-mr-furnival-again-at-his-chambers) Spends Christmas at The Cleeve, striving to appear serene; receives comfort from Mrs. Orme and public support from Sir Peregrine. ### [XXVI: Why Should I Not?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxvi-why-should-i-not) Informed of the forgery accusation; shows visible distress but strives to remain composed. ### [Commerce](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxvii-commerce) Writes to Lucius from The Cleeve, explaining she needs advice from others and expressing motherly love, but causing tension with her son. ### [Mr. Furnival Looks for Assistance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxiv-mr-furnival-looks-for-assistance) The client in question; Furnival internally struggles with his belief in her possible guilt while admiring her beauty and innocence. ### [Love Was Still the Lord of All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxv-love-was-still-the-lord-of-all) Receives Sir Peregrine's proposal, torn between gratitude and concern for his reputation. ### [What the Young Men Thought About It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxvi-what-the-young-men-thought-about-it) Writes to Lucius about Sir Peregrine's proposal; she is distressed by her son's disapproval but feels bound to her chosen advisers. ### [Peregrine's Eloquence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxvii-peregrine-s-eloquence) Listens to Peregrine's objections, visibly nervous and troubled by the discussion. ### [Oh, Indeed!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xxxviii-oh-indeed) Present at dinner, accepts courtesies graciously, is the subject of legal threats from Joseph Mason's solicitors. ### [XL: I Call It Awful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xl-i-call-it-awful) The subject of Mr. Furnival's jealousy and moral outrage; her engagement to Sir Peregrine complicates her legal defense. ### [How Can I Save Him?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xli-how-can-i-save-him) Visits Mr. Furnival's chambers, dressed in deep mourning, trembling and distressed; expresses her resolve to break off the engagement with Sir Peregrine out of concern for him and her son. ### [Showing How Lady Mason Could Be Very Noble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xliv-showing-how-lady-mason-could-be-very-noble) Resolves to break off her engagement with Sir Peregrine to protect him from scandal; confides in Mrs. Orme. ### [Showing How Mrs. Orme Could Be Very Weak Minded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xlv-showing-how-mrs-orme-could-be-very-weak-minded) Confesses to forging the will and admits her guilt to Sir Peregrine and later to Mrs. Orme. ### [A Woman’s Idea of Friendship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xlvi-a-woman-s-idea-of-friendship) The subject of the discussion; her confession and future are debated, with Mrs. Orme advocating for her protection. ### [The Angel of Light Under a Cloud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xlviii-the-angel-of-light-under-a-cloud) Subject of the Orley Farm case; to be indicted for perjury, with Felix asked to join her defense. ### [XLIX: Mrs. Furnival Can't Put Up with It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/xlix-mrs-furnival-can-t-put-up-with-it) The object of Mrs. Furnival's jealousy; seen leaving Mr. Furnival's chambers, which confirms Mrs. Furnival's suspicions. ### [It Is Quite Impossible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/l-it-is-quite-impossible) Writes to Lucius to inform him the marriage with Sir Peregrine is over; remains secluded at The Cleeve under Mrs. Orme's care. ### [Mrs. Furnival's Journey to Hamworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/li-mrs-furnival-s-journey-to-hamworth) Absent from the chapter but central to the discussion; she is staying at The Cleeve, distressed about the upcoming perjury trial. ### [Lady Mason Returns Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/liii-lady-mason-returns-home) Returns home after being committed for trial; struggles with guilt and the prospect of confessing to Lucius. ### [What Took Place in Harley Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lv-what-took-place-in-harley-street) Discussed as the subject of the broken engagement and upcoming trial; Lucius expresses concern for her distress. ### [How Sir Peregrine Did Business with Mr. Round](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lvi-how-sir-peregrine-did-business-with-mr-round) The confessed forger; Mrs. Orme visits her and assures her that Sir Peregrine will not betray her. ### [No Surrender](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lix-no-surrender) Though not directly present, her confession and guilt are the central cause of Sir Peregrine's anguish; Mrs. Orme visits her daily. ### [What Rebekah Did for Her Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lx-what-rebekah-did-for-her-son) Reveals the full story of her forgery to Mrs. Orme, pleading that she did it for her son Lucius. She shows great strength and endurance, but refuses to confess to Lucius, fearing it would kill him. ### [LXI: The State of Public Opinion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxi-the-state-of-public-opinion) The defendant in the upcoming trial; public opinion is divided on her guilt, but she enjoys popularity due to the romance of Sir Peregrine's attachment. ### [The Evening Before the Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxiii-the-evening-before-the-trial) Sits alone in her room, burdened by the impending trial and her secret; refuses to confide in Lucius. ### [The First Journey to Alston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxiv-the-first-journey-to-alston) The defendant, traveling to Alston for the trial, dressed in black and maintaining a composed demeanor. ### [LXV: Felix Graham Returns to Noningsby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxv-felix-graham-returns-to-noningsby) Not directly present, but her case is discussed indirectly; Felix notes that the judge no longer speaks openly in her favor. ### [Showing How Miss Furnival Treated Her Lovers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxvi-showing-how-miss-furnival-treated-her-lovers) Mentioned as being in a wretched state and silent, with Mrs. Orme visiting daily. ### [The First Day of the Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxviii-the-first-day-of-the-trial) The prisoner on trial for perjury; listens with composure as the prosecution details her alleged crime. ### [How Am I to Bear It?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxx-how-am-i-to-bear-it) Struggles to maintain composure after the first day of trial; breaks down before Mrs. Orme, confessing her guilt and fearing her son's reaction. ### [LXXI: Showing How John Kenneby and Bridget Bolster Bore Themselves in Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxxi-showing-how-john-kenneby-and-bridget-bolster-bore-themselves-in-court) The defendant, seated with her veil raised, flanked by Mrs. Orme and her son, as the trial progresses. ### [Mr. Furnival's Speech](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxxii-mr-furnival-s-speech) The defendant, who bears the trial with composure while her hand twitches convulsively in Mrs. Orme's. ### [LXXIII: Mrs. Orme Tells the Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxxiii-mrs-orme-tells-the-story) Weary and disheveled after the trial, she sits in silence, her hand withdrawn from Mrs. Orme during Furnival's false praise. She later asks Mrs. Orme if she has told Lucius the truth. ### [I Love Her Still](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxxvi-i-love-her-still) Bids farewell to Mrs. Orme, expresses her sorrow and gratitude, and prepares to leave Orley Farm. ### [Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/chapters/lxxix-farewell) Writes a farewell letter full of love and repentance; receives a final visit from Sir Peregrine and expresses her unending remorse for her past actions. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters/lady_mason - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orley_farm_se/characters