# Miss Isabel Carey — The Maid of Sker character guide

> Miss Isabel Carey in The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0001-the-maid-of-sker

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [XXXI: Two Lovers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxi-two-lovers)

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

### [Waiting and Learning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxiv-waiting-and-learning)

A ward of Sir Philip Bampfylde who supports Drake's innocence.

### [Under Fairer Auspices](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xl-forcible-ejectment)

Provides Davy with dinner and encouragement; rejoices at Chowne's losses.

### [XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lv-upon-foreign-service)

Marries Captain Drake Bampfylde in secret, then parts from him at the churchyard gate.

### [LXIV: Susan Quite Acquits Herself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/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'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxvi-the-maid-at-last-is-dentified)

Now Lady Bampfylde, wife of Commodore Sir Drake Bampfylde; briefly overcome by the revelation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/characters/isabel_carey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/characters