# Lucy Wodehouse — The Perpetual Curate character guide > Lucy Wodehouse in The Perpetual Curate by Margaret Oliphant. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Wodehouse, Lucy, Miss Lucy Wodehouse **First appearance:** 0002-i ## Snapshot A gentle, clear-eyed young woman who runs the Wharfside girls' school and loves Frank Wentworth too honestly to let him marry her at his own cost. ## Who they are Lucy Wodehouse is the sister of the Wodehouse household and the Curate's unacknowledged partner in the Wharfside district, so familiar to its people that they treat her as his stand-in. When Frank's absence leaves her to answer for him before a room of curious eyes, she feels both the embarrassment and the shy pleasure of belonging to him — and then the ache of knowing that as long as he remains a perpetual curate, he cannot afford to marry her. Her instinct to put his good before her own happiness shapes every choice she makes. ## Relationships ### [Frank Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/frank_wentworth) _romantic_ Frank is deeply in love with Lucy and pursues her despite social obstacles and family opposition. ### [Jack Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/jack_wentworth) _social_ Jack is a polite acquaintance of Lucy, often interacting in social and church settings. ### [Mr. Proctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mr_proctor) _professional_ Mr. Proctor is a fellow clergyman and colleague of Lucy's father, with whom Lucy has respectful interactions. ### [Rosa Elsworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/rosa_elsworthy) _rivalry_ Lucy and Rosa are romantic rivals for Frank's affection, leading to jealousy and conflict. ### [Mrs. Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mrs_morgan) _friendship_ Lucy and Mrs. Morgan are friendly acquaintances, often sharing news and gossip about Frank. ### [Mr. Wodehouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mr_wodehouse) _family_ Mr. Wodehouse is Lucy's father, and they have a loving but sometimes strained relationship due to his protectiveness. ### [Frank Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/frank_wentworth) _romantic_ Frank is deeply in love with Lucy and pursues her despite social obstacles and family opposition. ### [Frank Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/frank_wentworth) _romantic_ Frank is deeply in love with Lucy and pursues her despite social obstacles and family opposition. ### [Mrs. Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mrs_morgan) _friendship_ Lucy and Mrs. Morgan are friendly acquaintances, often sharing news and gossip about Frank. ### [Jack Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/jack_wentworth) _social_ Jack is a polite acquaintance of Lucy, often interacting in social and church settings. ### [Mr. Proctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/mr_proctor) _professional_ Mr. Proctor is a fellow clergyman and colleague of Lucy's father, with whom Lucy has respectful interactions. ### [Rosa Elsworthy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/rosa_elsworthy) _rivalry_ Lucy and Rosa are romantic rivals for Frank's affection, leading to jealousy and conflict. ## In the story ### [The Perpetual Curate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/the-perpetual-curate) Frank's love interest, whose family situation creates tension. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/ii) The object of Frank's affections; she defends her frequent meetings with him as part of district work, and is described as having blue eyes and a sweet voice. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/iii) Embarrassed by Wharfside's speculation about her and Frank; preoccupied during Holy Week. ### [Mr. Wentworth's Easter Sermon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/iv) Lucy stands at the font holding the youngest of Tom Burrows's children during the baptism, and walks home with Frank in a silent but meaningful companionship. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the object of Frank's thoughts; he looks forward to seeing her that evening. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/vii) Present in the drawing-room; she is initially distant with Frank after being teased by her father, but later tends to her sister. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/viii) Attends evening service at St. Roque's and shares a quiet, hopeful moment with Frank. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/ix) Shows curiosity about the bearded man and defends her district visits to Prickett's Lane. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/x) Now distant and watchful of Frank; avoids walking with him after services, yet still observes his actions with doubt and concern. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xii) Mentioned as the woman to whom Mr. Wentworth is supposedly engaged, and whom he is said to be neglecting. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xiii) Defends her association with Wentworth as district work, maintains composure despite inner turmoil, and later refuses to hear gossip about him. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xvi) Briefly envisioned by Frank as a steadfast figure, contrasting with Louisa's helplessness. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xx) Mentioned as having sent for Frank in her panic; Frank thinks of her with hope and affection as he hurries to her home. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxi) Maintains a composed exterior while her father lies ill; asks Frank to attend to the poor in her place; briefly breaks down in tears, revealing her hidden sorrow. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxiii) Mentioned as unaware of the family crisis; Frank deliberately avoids appealing to her gratitude. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxvii) Defends her dying father from Frank's attempt to make him speak about a will; her protective love and grief are vividly portrayed. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxviii) Mentioned as being friendly with the poor in Prickett's Lane, contrasted with Mrs. Morgan's reception. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxii) Insists on attending her father's funeral; appears briefly in the drawing-room, pale and grieving. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxiii) Summoned to a meeting where she learns Mr. Wodehouse had a son, initially thinking the news involves Mr. Wentworth's marriage. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxiv) One of the two Wodehouse sisters who have lost their means and home; Frank is deeply concerned for her. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xxxvii) Writes a letter to Frank Wentworth expressing gratitude and indignation at the accusations against him, and consults with her sister about their future. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xl) Mentioned as the woman Frank loves, whose future is being discussed without his consent. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlii) Recently engaged to Frank; has slept and rested, and her natural strength is roused by the unforeseen happiness; she is nervous about the interview with Frank. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlii) Referred to as Miss Wodehouse in the context of her feelings about being overshadowed by Lucy's engagement; she is the 'mild, dove-coloured bride of forty' who laughs and cries at being cast into the shade. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xliii) Sits quietly with her needlework, lost in the joy of her recent engagement, and later defends her sister against Tom's insults. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xliv) Lucy is mentioned as Frank's fiancée, whom he hopes his father will meet before leaving Carlingford. ### [Mr. Wentworth's Evening and Jack's Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlvi) Engages in a spirited argument with Frank about waiting and self-sacrifice, asserting her own authority in their relationship. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlvii) Sings the Magnificat at Wharfside service; her voice fills Frank with exultation, their love now avowed. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/chapters/xlviii) Called to cover for Mr. Wentworth at the school; reflects on their relationship and duty; learns of his promotion and cries with pride and happiness. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters/lucy_wodehouse - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perpetual_curate_se/characters