# Gilda Beresteyn — The Laughing Cavalier character guide > Gilda Beresteyn in The Laughing Cavalier by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Jongejuffrouw Beresteyn, Beresteyn, The Captive Lion Beresteyn **First appearance:** 0003-i-new-year-s-eve ## Snapshot A proud Haarlem noblewoman who braves a midnight passage to confront her captor, holding her head high even as a suppliant. ## Who they are Daughter of the wealthy Beresteyn family, Gilda moves through a world of political intrigue and ransom plots where her name makes her both a prize and a pawn. She is no shrinking heroine: her stiff-necked haughtiness and deliberate courage drive her to face Diogenes alone rather than send a timid maid, though her innocence leaves her blind to dangers she cannot fully appreciate. That blend of regal self-possession and childlike vulnerability unsettles the rogue who holds her, and it anchors the novel's central contest of wills. ## Relationships ### [Willem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/willem) _family_ Gilda and Willem are siblings, with a close but sometimes strained bond due to family secrets and political tensions. ### [Nicolaes Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/nicolaes_beresteyn) _family_ Gilda and Nicolaes are brother and sister, with Nicolaes often protective but also controlling toward Gilda. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/diogenes) _romantic_ Diogenes and Gilda share a growing romantic tension, marked by attraction and conflict due to their opposing loyalties. ### [Frans Hals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/frans_hals) _professional_ Frans Hals is a painter who has a professional relationship with Gilda, possibly as her portraitist or artistic mentor. ### [Sir Percy Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/sir_percy_blakeney) _friendship_ Gilda and Sir Percy share a respectful friendship, with Sir Percy acting as a protector and ally to Gilda. ### [Maria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/maria) _family_ Gilda and Maria are likely mother and daughter, with a caring but sometimes tense relationship due to family secrets. ### [Mynheer Ben Isaje](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mynheer_ben_isaje) _social_ Gilda and Mynheer Ben Isaje are acquaintances, possibly with a business or social connection in their community. ### [Willem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/willem) _family_ Gilda and Willem are siblings, with a close but sometimes strained bond due to family secrets and political tensions. ### [Frans Hals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/frans_hals) _professional_ Frans Hals is a painter who has a professional relationship with Gilda, possibly as her portraitist or artistic mentor. ### [Sir Percy Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/sir_percy_blakeney) _friendship_ Gilda and Sir Percy share a respectful friendship, with Sir Percy acting as a protector and ally to Gilda. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/diogenes) _romantic_ Diogenes and Gilda share a growing romantic tension, marked by attraction and conflict due to their opposing loyalties. ### [Willem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/willem) _family_ Gilda and Willem are siblings, with a close but sometimes strained bond due to family secrets and political tensions. ## In the story ### [The Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/the-prologue) Retires early, troubled by memories of Stoutenburg and the Barneveld tragedy; she impulsively shelters the fugitive Stoutenburg despite the danger. ### [III: An Interlude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/iii-an-interlude) The young lady who witnessed the fracas and offers help; described as exquisitely pretty, wealthy, and influential, but is hurt by Diogenes' dismissal. ### [Watch-Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/iv-watch-night) Attends the watch-night service but is preoccupied with anger toward Diogenes for his insolent refusal of her help. ### [Brother and Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/v-brother-and-sister) Confronts her brother Nicolaes after overhearing the conspiracy, pleading with him to abandon the plot and appealing to family loyalty. ### [VI: The Counsels of Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/vi-the-counsels-of-prudence) Though not present in the scene, Gilda is the central subject of discussion—her accidental knowledge of the plot makes her a threat that must be neutralized. ### [XI: The Bargain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xi-the-bargain) The target of the abduction; her movements and identification are discussed, but she does not appear in the chapter. ### [The Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xii-the-portrait) Her portrait is the focus of the chapter; Diogenes recalls her manner and words from the previous night. ### [XIII: The Spanish Wench](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xiii-the-spanish-wench) The lady to be intercepted; described as accompanied by a duenna and servants in green and purple livery. ### [After Evensong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xiv-after-evensong) Spends the day in prayer, tormented by the secret of the conspiracy; abducted on her way home. ### [The Halt at Bennebrock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xv-the-halt-at-bennebrock) Gilda is conscious and alert in the sleigh, overhearing plans and grappling with her helplessness and the threat to her family's honor. ### [XVI: Leyden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xvi-leyden) Carried into the inn by Diogenes, she is exhausted and dizzy but maintains her dignity. ### [An Understanding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xvii-an-understanding) Confronts Diogenes, accuses him of abduction, deduces Stoutenburg's involvement, and appeals to his honor and self-interest before resigning to her helplessness. ### [The Start](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xviii-the-start) Mentioned in Diogenes' thoughts; he recalls the unpleasant interview and his temptation to kiss her. ### [Back Again in Haarlem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xx-back-again-in-haarlem) Mentioned as the abducted daughter of Cornelius Beresteyn, believed to have been taken by sea-wolves. ### [XXIII: A Spy from the Camp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxiii-a-spy-from-the-camp) Discussed as a sacrifice; her abduction and silence are central to the conspirators' fears and plans. ### [The Birth of Hate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxiv-the-birth-of-hate) Referenced as the abducted noble lady and Stoutenburg's affianced wife. ### [XXV: An Arrant Knave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxv-an-arrant-knave) Referenced as the woman Stoutenburg plans to marry; she is to be treated with respect if captured by Jan's men. ### [Back to Houdekerk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxvi-back-to-houdekerk) Asleep in the mill, unaware of Diogenes' inner conflict; described as sad and helpless, the object of his protective yet conflicted thoughts. ### [Thence to Rotterdam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxvii-thence-to-rotterdam) Travels by sledge from Houdekerk to Rotterdam; appears fragile, pale, and anxious, avoiding Diogenes' gaze. ### [Check](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxviii-check) Is being brought to Ben Isaje's shop; Diogenes hopes to rescue her later. ### [Check Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxix-check-again) Wearied and aloof, she reluctantly descends from the sledge and enters Ben Isaje's house, maintaining a haughty demeanor toward Diogenes. ### [A Nocturne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxx-a-nocturne) Pleads with Diogenes to escort her to Delft to warn the Prince of Orange; offers money and reveals her desperation. ### [XXXI: The Molens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxxi-the-molens) Discussed as a potential threat; her captivity in Rotterdam is deemed insecure, prompting plans to move her. ### [A Run Through the Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxxii-a-run-through-the-night) Gilda is in deep emotional turmoil, having been deceived by a man she trusted; she fears for her brother and the Prince of Orange, and is forcibly transported toward Ryswyk. ### [The Captive Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-captive-lion) Mentioned as being in the hut with a fire and her waiting woman, guarded by sentries. ### [XXXIV: Protestations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxxiv-protestations) Held prisoner in a peasant's hut, she confronts Stoutenburg with calm dignity, questioning his role in her abduction and agreeing to see the captured mercenary. ### [The Witness for the Defence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxxv-the-witness-for-the-defence) Pleads for Diogenes' life, showing compassion and a desire to forgive; struggles with suspicion and horror at the forged bond. ### [Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xxxvii-dawn) Mentioned in Diogenes' thoughts as the woman he loves; Stoutenburg fears she will plead for Diogenes. ### [XL: The Loser Pays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xl-the-loser-pays) Stands horrified as the truth of the conspiracy is revealed; denies betraying the plot and pleads for Diogenes' life. ### [XLI: “Vengeance Is Mine”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xli-vengeance-is-mine) Mentioned as the woman Stoutenburg loves and hopes will eventually turn to him for protection and love, providing compensation for his failures. ### [XLII: The Fight in the Doorway](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xlii-the-fight-in-the-doorway) Referenced as the reason Diogenes spares Stoutenburg's life; her abduction and suffering are central to the conflict. ### [XLIII: Leyden Once More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xliii-leyden-once-more) Gilda is the focal point of the chapter, reflecting on her past encounters with Diogenes and her evolving feelings from hatred to love. She deliberately chooses to stay at the White Goat inn to be near memories of him. ### [XLIV: Blake of Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xliv-blake-of-blakeney) Listens at the window, overhears Diogenes' revelation about his father, and later confesses her love for Diogenes to her father. ### [The End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/chapters/xlv-the-end) Waiting in the dimly lit room, she reveals her joy at seeing Diogenes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters