Beatrix Esmond

Henry Esmond

Beatrix Esmond is the object of Henry's passionate but unrequited love, as she is vain and ambitious, ultimately rejecting him.

Lady Castlewood

Beatrix is Lady Castlewood's daughter, and their relationship is strained by Beatrix's vanity and her mother's protective disapproval.

Lord Mohun

Beatrix is romantically entangled with Lord Mohun, attracted to his charm and status, though he is a dangerous and immoral man.

Queen Anne

Beatrix Esmond is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne, enjoying a position of social prominence and royal favor.

Frank Castlewood

Beatrix and Frank Castlewood are siblings, with a bond of affection but also rivalry over status and Henry's attention.

Henry Esmond

Beatrix Esmond is the object of Henry's passionate but unrequited love, as she is vain and ambitious, ultimately rejecting him.

Henry Esmond

Beatrix Esmond is the object of Henry's passionate but unrequited love, as she is vain and ambitious, ultimately rejecting him.

Lady Castlewood

Beatrix is Lady Castlewood's daughter, and their relationship is strained by Beatrix's vanity and her mother's protective disapproval.

Lord Mohun

Beatrix is romantically entangled with Lord Mohun, attracted to his charm and status, though he is a dangerous and immoral man.

Lord Mohun

Beatrix is romantically entangled with Lord Mohun, attracted to his charm and status, though he is a dangerous and immoral man.

Frank Castlewood

Beatrix and Frank Castlewood are siblings, with a bond of affection but also rivalry over status and Henry's attention.

Lady Castlewood

Beatrix is Lady Castlewood's daughter, and their relationship is strained by Beatrix's vanity and her mother's protective disapproval.

The History of Henry Esmond

The beautiful and spirited daughter of Lady Castlewood, who captivates Henry.

An Account of the Family of Esmond of Castlewood Hall

The four-year-old daughter of Lord and Lady Castlewood, who offers her hand to Henry and calls him 'kinsman'.

VIII: After Good Fortune Comes Evil

Pouts and refuses Henry's attention, playing with her dog Fido; later sent to bed by her mother.

IX: I Have the Smallpox, and Prepare to Leave Castlewood

Returns to Castlewood with her father, described as pert and beautiful.

X: I Go to Cambridge, and Do but Little Good There

Mentioned as the recipient of a doll from the Dowager Lady Castlewood; is growing beyond the age of dolls.

I Come Home for a Holiday to Castlewood, and Find a Skeleton in the House

Now grown tall; blushes when Esmond offers a kiss; mentions Lord Mohun's peruke; eager to visit Sark Castle.

My Lord Mohun Comes Among Us for No Good

Now grown into a beautiful and coquettish young woman, described as a 'rising young divinity' with a haughty and imperious manner; she manipulates those around her.

My Lord Leaves Us and His Evil Behind Him

Jealous of Lord Mohun's attention to her mother; her careless words spark a confrontation.

Book II: Contains Mr. Esmond’s Military Life, and Other Matters Appertaining to the Esmond Family

Important figure in the Esmond family dynamics.

II: I Come to the End of My Captivity, but Not of My Trouble

Daughter of Lady Castlewood; Steele praises her beauty extravagantly, comparing her favorably to her mother.

VI: The 29th December

Mentioned by Frank as a maid of honor at Court; not present in the scene.

VII: I Am Made Welcome at Walcote

Now a young woman of extraordinary beauty, she descends the stairs in a striking scarlet ribbon and white stockings. She is playful, arch, and confident, already the subject of a potential marriage to the Marquis of Blandford.

VIII: Family Talk

Mentioned as headstrong and vain; reacts angrily to Henry's departure, slapping her maid.

IX: I Make the Campaign of 1704

Esmond's romantic interest; he is eager to see her at Kensington.

X: An Old Story About a Fool and a Woman

Now a maid of honor, her beauty is celebrated in songs and toasts; involved in a dispute with the Duchess of Marlborough at court.

XII: I Get a Company in the Campaign of 1706

Mentioned as the object of Esmond's unrequited love; rumored to be engaged to earls and dukes, but none succeed.

General Webb Wins the Battle of Wynendael

Esmond's love for her is central; she values his fame, and she participates in the ceremony dubbing him their knight.

Book III: Containing the End of Mr. Esmond’s Adventures in England

Central figure in Henry's affections, her choices impact the narrative's end.

I: I Come to an End of My Battles and Bruises

Her engagement to the Duke of Hamilton is announced, causing Esmond to lose his military ambition; she is described as frantic for the King and wears his picture.

II: I Go Home, and Harp on the Old String

Absent at Windsor; described as the ruler of the household and engaged in town pleasures.

III: A Paper Out of the Spectator

Flirts with Esmond, mocks him, and announces her intention to marry a wealthy suitor; accepts the Duke of Hamilton's proposal.

Beatrix's New Suitor

Accepts the Duke of Hamilton's proposal, admits her ambition, and receives the diamond necklace from Esmond with delight.

Mohun Appears for the Last Time in This History

Mentioned as the object of Esmond's affections; he cannot bear to attend her marriage, and she sends him on an errand for gloves or a fan.

VI: Poor Beatrix

The 'poor Beatrix' of the title; engaged to the Duke of Hamilton, she is absorbed in preparations for her wedding and future as a duchess, only to have her hopes dashed by the Duke's death.

VII: I Visit Castlewood Once More

Appears in mourning, proud and stoic after her latest disappointment; she engages in charitable works and music at Castlewood.

VIII: I Travel to France and Bring Home a Portrait of Rigaud

Returns to court after Duke Hamilton's death, resuming her duties and gaining favor with Mrs. Masham.

The Original of the Portrait Comes to England

Rallies the Prince with wit, defends Esmond, and expresses her disdain for the Prince's character.

We Entertain a Very Distinguished Guest at Kensington

Returns the diamonds to Henry in a defiant act, leading to a painful argument with her mother. She is proud and hurt, feeling betrayed and unloved.

XI: Our Guest Quits Us as Not Being Hospitable Enough

Sent away to Castlewood to avoid the Prince's advances; her absence provokes the Prince's ire.

A Great Scheme, and Who Balked It

Her note to Frank Castlewood reveals she has been sent away to Castlewood, and her flight lures the Prince away from the conspiracy.

XIII: August 1st, 1714

Has secretly invited the Prince to Castlewood; her letter to her mother is intercepted, revealing her duplicity.

Endnotes

Beatrix is referenced in the context of her mother's duty to point out her deplorable wrong.