# Colonel Keith — The Clever Woman of the Family character guide

> Colonel Keith in The Clever Woman of the Family by Charlotte M. Yonge.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Colonel, Alexander Keith, young Alexander

**First appearance:** 0003-iv-the-hero

## Who they are

A bearded, sage military officer whose presence at Avonmouth quietly reshapes Rachel Curtis's thinking and whose motives she cannot quite read.

## Relationships

### [Ermine Williams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/ermine_williams)

_romantic_

Colonel Keith is secretly in love with Ermine, but a past misunderstanding and his own pride keep them apart for much of the story.

### [Rachel Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rachel_curtis)

_rivalry_

Colonel Keith and Rachel clash frequently, as he finds her meddlesome and she finds him arrogant and secretive.

### [Ermine Williams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/ermine_williams)

_romantic_

Colonel Keith is secretly in love with Ermine, but a past misunderstanding and his own pride keep them apart for much of the story.

### [Ermine Williams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/ermine_williams)

_romantic_

Colonel Keith is secretly in love with Ermine, but a past misunderstanding and his own pride keep them apart for much of the story.

### [Rachel Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rachel_curtis)

_rivalry_

Colonel Keith and Rachel clash frequently, as he finds her meddlesome and she finds him arrogant and secretive.

### [Rachel Curtis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/rachel_curtis)

_rivalry_

Colonel Keith and Rachel clash frequently, as he finds her meddlesome and she finds him arrogant and secretive.

## In the story

### [IV: The Hero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/iv-the-hero)

The 'Major' who arrives, greeted warmly by the family; his polished manner chafes Rachel, and he is not the man Alison feared.

### [V: Military Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/v-military-society)

Visits Fanny and then goes to see Ermine, finally reuniting with her. He is revealed to be the 'Major' and has been searching for her.

### [Lady Temple's Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xi-lady-temple-s-troubles)

Arrives at Avonmouth, visits Ermine, and confronts his brother's intentions towards Lady Temple.

### [XII: A Change at the Parsonage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xii-a-change-at-the-parsonage)

Colonel Keith advises Fanny on her conduct with Mr. Touchett and shares that Ermine has given him leave to mention their engagement, hoping to tell Rachel himself.

### [XIV: The Gowanbrae Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xiv-the-gowanbrae-ball)

Hosts the ball with his brother, displaying old-world polish and efficient organization.

### [Go and Bray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xv-go-and-bray)

Receives Alick's objections to the marriage, but is more accepting of Lord Keith's proposal, seeing potential benefits for all parties.

### [XVII: The Siege](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xvii-the-siege)

Recognizes the woodcut figure from his travels, adding to the suspicion.

### [XXI: The Quarter Sessions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxi-the-quarter-sessions)

Assists in securing Mauleverer's recommitment, and comments on Rachel's lesson, showing a critical view of her conduct.

### [XXVI: The End of Cleverness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxvi-the-end-of-cleverness)

Colonel Keith arrives in the afternoon, his genuine affection for Bessie providing comfort to Rachel and Alick. He has persuaded Lord Keith to see a London surgeon.

### [Vanity of Vanities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxviii-vanity-of-vanities)

Assists Rachel in examining the late Lady Keith's papers, revealing her debts and the deception, while showing concern for Alick's feelings.

### [XXX: Who Is the Clever Woman?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/chapters/xxx-who-is-the-clever-woman)

Supervises the new institution and shares in the family's joy. He appreciates Ermine's charm and the success of Rachel's transformation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters/colonel_keith
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_clever_woman_of_the_family_se/characters