# Miss Carthew — Sinister Street character guide

> Miss Carthew in Sinister Street by Compton Mackenzie.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Ross, Dear Mrs. Ross

**First appearance:** 0008-v-the-first-fairy-princess

## Snapshot

The governess whose Valentine's Day arrival so captivates young Michael that he defies Nanny and throws away every card rather than give her a cheap one.

## Who they are

Miss Carthew enters the household as a figure of almost royal anticipation, and Michael's determination to present her with an apple-green satin Valentine becomes his first act of open rebellion against Nurse's authority. When he is forced to abandon the shilling card, he drops the whole packet down a drain rather than submit. Her arrival marks the beginning of a formative attachment in Michael's early life.

## In the story

### [The First Fairy Princess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/v-the-first-fairy-princess)

Arrives as Michael's governess, bringing liveliness and stories of her adventurous youth; becomes a beloved figure who inspires Michael.

### [VI: The Enchanted Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/vi-the-enchanted-palace)

Hosts Michael at Cobble Place, reveals she will move to Carlington Road to teach Michael and Stella.

### [VII: Randell House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/vii-randell-house)

Accompanies Michael during his holiday in Folkestone and introduces him to General Mace.

### [VIII: Siamese Stamps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/viii-siamese-stamps)

Signs Michael's home-book, insists on healthier combinations and Harris tweed, and teases Michael about his historical sympathies.

### [Holidays in France](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/ix-holidays-in-france)

Drives Michael to Victoria Station and hands him over to Mr. Lodge for the trip.

### [II: The Quadruple Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/ii-the-quadruple-intrigue)

Accompanies Michael to Eastbourne; writes to Mrs. Merivale about the invitation; later finds Michael and Alan with Dora and Winnie.

### [Pastoral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/iii-pastoral)

Falls ill again, later writes to Michael about her engagement to Captain Ross.

### [XI: Action and Reaction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/xi-action-and-reaction)

Now Mrs. Ross, meets Michael and Alan at a Southampton hotel; Michael notes her dignity and bravery.

### [XII: Alan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/xii-alan)

Writes a letter to Michael expressing grief over her husband's death and her concern for her son.

### [XV: Grey Eyes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/xv-grey-eyes)

Greets Mrs. Fane at the station, drives off with her, and later has a profound conversation with Michael in the orchard about personality and Alan's loyalty.

### [XVI: Blue Eyes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/xvi-blue-eyes)

Sends a letter to Michael apologizing for her earlier reaction; Michael responds coldly.

### [Music](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/xx-music)

Sits beside Mrs. Fane at the concert, both in mourning.

### [X: Stella in Oxford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/x-stella-in-oxford)

Engages in a deep conversation with Michael about his past, education, and Stella's character.

### [XI: Sympathy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/xi-sympathy)

Seen at Cobble Place with her son Kenneth as Michael says goodbye.

### [Seeds of Pomegranate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/chapters/viii-seeds-of-pomegranate)

Hosts Michael at Cobble Place; discusses Stella's disapproval of Lily.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/characters/miss_carthew_mrs_ross
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sinister_street_se/characters