Orley Farm · Character

Lady Staveley

The warm, hospitable mistress of Noningsby, devoted to husband and children, yet quietly determined that her daughter Madeline shall marry well.

supporting

Also known as young Staveley, Dear Lady Staveley, Poor Lady Staveley

First appearance: xix the staveley family

As a supporting figure in Orley Farm, Lady Staveley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Presses Lucius to stay at Noningsby, observes his interactions with Sophia Furnival, and worries about her son Augustus's romantic interests.

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Lady Staveley runs Noningsby with open-handed charm, morning prayers, and a keen eye for the niceties of rank and income. She welcomes Peregrine Orme as a prospective son-in-law and grows uneasy as Madeline lingers at Felix Graham's half-open door. Her blend of genuine kindness and worldly calculation makes her both sympathetic and comic, and her maneuvering shapes the romantic fortunes of the younger generation.

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Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Lady Staveley sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended cast and servants
Legal professionals and family

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it depicts the emotional and psychological peak of Madeline and…

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In the story

Lady Staveley appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Commerce
Presses Lucius to stay at Noningsby, observes his interactions with Sophia Furnival, and worries about her son Augustus's romantic interests.
Another Fall
Observes her daughter's solicitude for Felix and approves of Peregrine as a potential son-in-law.
Footsteps in the Corridor
Observes Madeline's distress, offers comfort, and discusses Peregrine's proposal with her daughter, expressing approval of him as a suitor.
Why Should He Go?
Worries about the romantic entanglements at Noningsby, particularly concerning Madeline and Felix Graham.
Showing How Lady Mason Could Be Very Noble
Visits The Cleeve to call on Lady Mason; learns of the engagement and feels it complicates hopes for a match between Madeline and young Peregrine.
The Gem of the Four Families
Expresses concern about Graham's presence and discusses the situation with her husband.
It Is Quite Impossible
Receives Peregrine at Noningsby and advises patience; later learns from Madeline that she loves Felix Graham and cannot marry Peregrine.
Showing How Things Went on at Noningsby
Distressed by Madeline's confession, compares Graham unfavorably to Peregrine Orme.
LVIII: Miss Staveley Declines to Eat Minced Veal
Worried by Madeline's withdrawal and monastic tendencies, she begins to reconsider Felix Graham as a potential son-in-law.
LXV: Felix Graham Returns to Noningsby
Reluctantly accepts the match between Felix and Madeline after the judge's persuasion, though she had hoped for Peregrine Orme.
The Two Judges
Hosts the party at Noningsby; wishes Felix good night, preventing his private talk with Madeline.
Young Lochinvar
Welcomes Felix as a son-in-law and congratulates him.
Showing How Affairs Settled Themselves at Noningsby
Discusses the engagement with Madeline and informs Peregrine Orme of the match.

Chapter companion notes

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