Mary Masters

Lawrence Twentyman

Lawrence is a devoted suitor to Mary, but she does not reciprocate his romantic feelings.

Reginald Morton

Mary and Reginald share a deep, mutual romantic attachment that eventually leads to marriage.

Lady Ushant

Lady Ushant befriends Mary Masters, approving of her character and her relationship with Reginald.

Mr. Masters

Mr. Masters is Mary's father, a stern but caring attorney who wants a good match for her.

Lawrence Twentyman

Lawrence is a devoted suitor to Mary, but she does not reciprocate his romantic feelings.

Reginald Morton

Mary and Reginald share a deep, mutual romantic attachment that eventually leads to marriage.

Mr. Masters

Mr. Masters is Mary's father, a stern but caring attorney who wants a good match for her.

Reginald Morton

Mary and Reginald share a deep, mutual romantic attachment that eventually leads to marriage.

Lady Ushant

Lady Ushant befriends Mary Masters, approving of her character and her relationship with Reginald.

Lady Ushant

Lady Ushant befriends Mary Masters, approving of her character and her relationship with Reginald.

Lawrence Twentyman

Lawrence is a devoted suitor to Mary, but she does not reciprocate his romantic feelings.

Mr. Masters

Mr. Masters is Mary's father, a stern but caring attorney who wants a good match for her.

The Morton Family

A little girl taken in by Lady Ushant to live at Bragton; her education was overseen by Lady Ushant.

The Masters Family

Eldest daughter, thoughtful and sympathetic to her father's position, though aware of her mother's practical wisdom.

Reginald Morton

The eldest daughter of the attorney, now a young woman. She was a childhood friend of Reginald Morton and is caught between his attention and that of Lawrence Twentyman.

Not in Love

Reginald is angry with her for keeping an appointment with Twentyman, though he admits she gave no cause for offense.

The Walk Home

Feels angry and frustrated after Reginald Morton's abrupt departure; firmly but kindly rejects Larry Twentyman's proposal.

XV: A Fit Companion—For Me and My Sisters

Receives Lady Ushant's invitation but feels unable to accept due to family constraints. Defensively claims Lawrence Twentyman is a fit companion for her, then regrets her words.

The Attorney's Family Is Disturbed

Receives an invitation from Lady Ushant and wishes to accept, but fears her stepmother's reaction. She seeks her father's support and ultimately agrees to go, despite the household turmoil.

Give Me Six Months

Torn between family duty and her lack of love for Twentyman; she asks for six months to decide.

Wonderful Bird!

Travels to Cheltenham with Reginald Morton; denies engagement to Lawrence Twentyman; feels anxious about Reginald's opinion of her.

At Cheltenham

Struggles with her promise to Lawrence Twentyman, realizing she cannot marry him; her conversations with Lady Ushant and Reginald Morton clarify her resolve.

The Beginning of Persecution

Under intense pressure from her stepmother to marry Lawrence Twentyman, Mary resists, insisting she cannot help her feelings and that she never gave a promise.

Mary's Letter

Writes a letter to Lawrence Twentyman refusing his proposal, stands firm against her stepmother's pressure, and reveals to her father that her heart is occupied with another man (Reginald Morton), though she does not name him.

Mary's Letter

Attempts to retrieve Mary's letter from the post office, fails, and reproaches her husband for allowing the letter to be sent.

Chowton Farm for Sale

The object of Larry Twentyman's affections; she has rejected him, leading to his decision to sell Chowton Farm.

Persecution

Endures persecution from her stepmother for rejecting Larry Twentyman; writes to Lady Ushant asking for a temporary home.

It Cannot Be Arranged

Is the subject of the dispute; she wrote to Lady Ushant for help escaping her suitor. She is humiliated when her stepmother confronts her in front of Reginald Morton.

But There Is Some One

Subject of parental conflict; her refusal of Lawrence Twentyman and desire to visit Lady Ushant cause tension. Mr. Masters suspects she may have another romantic interest.

Providence Interferes

Mary is the center of the family dispute, refusing to marry Larry Twentyman and facing pressure from her stepmother. Her planned visit to Cheltenham is postponed due to Lady Ushant's summons to Bragton.

Lady Ushant at Bragton

Walks to Bragton to see Lady Ushant; reflects on her feelings for Reginald Morton and Lawrence Twentyman; learns of John Morton's illness and Arabella Trefoil's impending visit.

Mrs. Morton Returns

Seen walking with Reginald Morton as he leaves Bragton, though Mrs. Morton does not recognize her.

The Two Old Ladies

Walks with Reginald Morton and reflects on her feelings and the impossibility of a match with him.

LIX: The Last Effort

Struggles with the decision to marry Lawrence Twentyman, ultimately unable to overcome her lack of love for him.

Changes at Bragton

Mary visits Lady Ushant reluctantly, feeling conflicted about Reginald Morton. She is troubled by her unspoken love for him and resents his perceived exaltation as Squire of Bragton.

At Last

Visits Bragton as Lady Ushant's guest; walks in the grounds; is confronted by Reginald about a secret lover.

My Own, Own Husband

Accepts Reginald Morton's proposal and joyfully declares her love, then informs her family.

LXXII: “Bid Him Be a Man”

Sends a message of love and encouragement to Larry through her father, bidding him to be a man.

Is It Tanti?

Now engaged to Reginald Morton, she bravely approaches Lawrence Twentyman at the hunt to offer a kind word, showing her compassion and maturity.

The Last Days of Mary Masters

Triumphs as the future mistress of Bragton; persuades her stepmother to attend the wedding and tries to reconcile with Larry Twentyman.

Conclusion

Now married to Reginald Morton, she reflects on their courtship and finds happiness with him at Bragton.