Elza Imrey

Rosemary Fowkes

Elza is a close confidante and friend to Rosemary, often providing support and counsel.

Jasper Tarkington

Elza and Jasper share a friendly bond, often discussing Rosemary and supporting each other.

Maurus Imrey

Elza and Maurus are siblings, sharing a close familial bond within the Imrey household.

Peter Blakeney

Elza and Peter are friendly, with Elza often mediating between Peter and Rosemary.

General Naniescu

Elza distrusts General Naniescu and opposes his influence over Rosemary and others.

Philip Imrey

Elza and Philip are siblings or close relatives, sharing a family connection.

Anna Heves

Anna and Elza are close friends, often collaborating to support Rosemary.

Rosemary Fowkes

Elza is a close confidante and friend to Rosemary, often providing support and counsel.

Rosemary Fowkes

Elza is a close confidante and friend to Rosemary, often providing support and counsel.

Jasper Tarkington

Elza and Jasper share a friendly bond, often discussing Rosemary and supporting each other.

General Naniescu

Elza distrusts General Naniescu and opposes his influence over Rosemary and others.

Maurus Imrey

Elza and Maurus are siblings, sharing a close familial bond within the Imrey household.

Prologue

Referenced as a matriarchal figure involved in the escape plans.

Chapter X: The Hospitality of Kis-Imre

Elza is now a woman with dimmed eyes and a drooping mouth, her hair silvered at the temples; she reminds Rosemary of Mrs. Blakeney.

XI

Breaks down after Philip's release; confides in Rosemary about her struggle to save Philip's inheritance under Romanian rule.

XII

Appears outwardly calm and resigned after Philip's arrest, but shows deep sorrow and anxiety. She plans to keep Maurus quiet to protect Philip's inheritance.

XIV

Elza is the hostess at Kis-Imre. Rosemary is sent to tell her that Philip and Anna will be allowed to come home provisionally, without revealing the conditional nature of their release. Elza is not directly present in the chapter but is a key figure in the unfolding events.

XV

Overjoyed at the news of Philip and Anna's release, unaware of the underlying tensions.

Chapter XVII

Radiates happiness and plans festivities, unaware of the looming catastrophe.

XVIII

Learns the truth about Philip and Anna's precarious situation; confronts Rosemary about the gypsy's prophecy and her own powerlessness.

XIX

Excitedly organizing the ball but hiding her despair; Peter reveals she has a mad plan.

XX

Lighthearted after devising the escape plan; insists only Rosemary knows; tells the family the gipsy's warning.

XXI

Mentioned as having discussed plans with Rosemary and Anna; her white dress is seen in the summerhouse.

XXII

Described as marvellous, kind, and fussy, focusing on household affairs despite the stakes.

XXIII

Placid and focused on the escape plan; fusses over the departing officers with provisions.

XXIV

Maintains stoic calm during the escape, then collapses briefly; later watches with Rosemary for the motor's departure.

XXV

Struggles to maintain stoicism after the failed escape; breaks down in tears but quickly composes herself to manage household duties and break the news to Maurus.

XXVII

Seen after the guests depart, aged and shaken; tells Rosemary about Maurus's fit and her own helplessness, but continues to manage the household.

Chapter XXVIII

Referenced as someone Rosemary believes would support her stand, but Jasper challenges her to test that assumption.

XXIX

Presides at dinner, self-possessed and dutiful despite the strain; Rosemary intends to give her the articles to decide.

The Decision

Bewildered by the choice she must make for her family.

XXXI

Rosemary imagines Elza wrestling with a heart-wrenching decision, describing her as a pagan heroine without religious comfort.

XXXII

Returns the articles to Rosemary, choosing honor and sacrifice over her son's safety.

XXXVI

Has not returned from visiting Philip and Anna in Cluj and then Ujlak; her absence causes Rosemary increasing anxiety.

XXXVIII

Mentioned as having written to Maurus from Sót, having seen Philip and Anna, and heading to Hungary.

XL

Though not physically present, Rosemary obsessively speculates about Elza's motives, believing she may have surrendered to mother-love and colluded with Peter over the stolen articles.

XLI

Mentioned as having been turned out of Kis-Imre by Peter's actions.

XLIV

Waiting for Philip and Anna at Hódmezö; patient and heroic.

XLVIII

Writes to Rosemary about Peter's work at Kis-Imre and expresses admiration for him.