The Maid of Sker · Character

Miss Isabel Carey

A young woman of superior mind and careful distance, courted by Captain Drake Bampfylde and remembered as the fair Isabel.

supporting

Also known as that fine Miss Carey, Isabel, the fair Isabel, Bell, the Honourable Isabel Carey

First appearance: the maid of sker

As a supporting figure in The Maid of Sker, Miss Isabel Carey is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Meets Drake at night, expresses fear for his safety, and urges him to avoid a 'dreadful man.'

In the storyXXXI: Two LoversOpen this moment free

Miss Isabel Carey is the Honourable Isabel, a woman of superior mind whom the narrator claims to have carefully kept clear of, and whose thrice-disappointed history makes her a wary judge of men. She is courted by Captain Drake Bampfylde, and her beauty and reserve make her a figure of both desire and caution in the society around Sker. Her presence sharpens the story's questions about who is worthy of trust, and her choices ripple through the fortunes of those who watch her.

See Miss Isabel Carey in XXXI: Two Lovers Book page

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Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Miss Isabel Carey sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended cast and background figures
Main characters and allies

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the protagonis…

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In the story

Miss Isabel Carey appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXXI: Two Lovers
Meets Drake at night, expresses fear for his safety, and urges him to avoid a 'dreadful man.'
Waiting and Learning
A ward of Sir Philip Bampfylde who supports Drake's innocence.
Under Fairer Auspices
Meets with Davy, hires him to watch for spies, gives him a £5 note and a gun, and advises him to avoid talking to servants.
A Fine Old Gentleman
Davy receives his well-earned salary from Mistress Isabel Carey, who also arranged his meeting with Sir Philip.
Notice to Quit
Convinces Davy to give up his ferry service after hearing of his danger; Davy adores her and she steps into his boat with beautiful boots.
Forcible Ejectment
Provides Davy with dinner and encouragement; rejoices at Chowne's losses.
XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place
Helps Davy with his reenlistment; is courted by Captain Bampfylde and targeted by Parson Chowne.
XLV: Introduces a Real Hero
Mentioned as the beautiful lady Captain Drake Bampfylde longed to see during his seven-year absence.
Mischief in a Household
A young lady of beauty and property, who is frightened by Chowne's attentions and ultimately leaves Narnton Court for Lord Pomeroy's castle.
LV: Upon Foreign Service
Marries Captain Drake Bampfylde in secret, then parts from him at the churchyard gate.
LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself
Mentioned as the heiress who favored Drake Bampfylde, giving him a motive for the crime.
LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'
Now Lady Bampfylde, wife of Commodore Sir Drake Bampfylde; briefly overcome by the revelation.

Chapter companion notes

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See Miss Isabel Carey in the maid of sker

See Miss Isabel Carey in XXXI: Two Lovers