The Small House at Allington · Character

Lady Alexandrina De Courcy

A cool, exacting De Courcy daughter who reads her letters while being dressed and never lets her maids see her flinch, she marries for position and finds the bargain bitter.

supporting

Also known as Alexandrina, Lady Alexandrina, Alexandrina De Courcy

First appearance: xvi mr crosbie meets an old clergyman on his way to courcy castle

As a supporting figure in The Small House at Allington, Lady Alexandrina De Courcy is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as one of the De Courcy daughters who particularly wants Crosbie to visit Courcy Castle.

In the storyLilian Dale Becomes a ButterflyOpen this moment free

Lady Alexandrina belongs to the proud, cash-poor De Courcy clan, whose London season is a market in which daughters are priced and exchanged. Married to a man she considers beneath her, she discovers that a husband who counts the cost of a fly can make even a titled wife feel imprisoned. Her cold composure and her mother's counsel keep her from open revolt, but her discontent quietly exposes what such marriages cost the women who make them.

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Character Web

46 connections

A slice of how Lady Alexandrina De Courcy sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Allington Dale Family & Associates
Extended Characters & Minor Figures
London Social Acquaintances

+41 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, the emotional peak occurs as Lily must definitively reject John Eames, forcing her mother to co…

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In the story

Lady Alexandrina De Courcy appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly
Mentioned as one of the De Courcy daughters who particularly wants Crosbie to visit Courcy Castle.
Courcy Castle
Lady Alexandrina converses with Crosbie, showing interest in his engagement and allowing him to mystify her about his true intentions.
Lily Dale's First Love-Letter
The object of Crosbie's weak fondness, part of the scheme to detach him from Lily.
Mr. Plantagenet Palliser
Pressures Crosbie to fulfill his promise to confess his feelings, showing her interest in him despite his engagement.
XXIV: A Mother-in-Law and a Father-in-Law
Alexandrina is present during the Countess's conversation with Crosbie, showing a reserved demeanor and wearing a white muslin peignoir.
Adolphus Crosbie Spends an Evening at His Club
Referenced as the woman Crosbie now intends to marry, having abandoned Lily.
Lord De Courcy in the Bosom of His Family
Discussed as Crosbie's new betrothed; defends herself to Lady Amelia regarding Crosbie's past engagement.
XXVII: “On My Honour, I Do Not Understand It.”
Reflects on the advantages and disadvantages of marrying Crosbie, resolving to be a dutiful wife despite her family's lukewarm support.
The Board
Crosbie's new fiancée, whom he now sees as ugly and graceless compared to Lily.
Preparations for the Wedding
Insists on a proper trousseau, shows coldness toward Crosbie, withdraws her hand when he tries to caress her.
Valentine's Day at Allington
Alexandrina is the bride in the wedding that takes place on Valentine's Day.
Valentine’s Day in London
The bride, who is more concerned about her bonnet and dressing-case than about emotional connection with her new husband.
XLVIII: Nemesis
Finds her new life dull and querulous, confesses to Amelia that she has made a mistake.
Showing How Mr. Crosbie Became Again a Happy Man
Complains to her mother about Crosbie's silence, lack of companionship, and stinginess; seeks permission to accompany her mother to Baden-Baden.
Conclusion
Lives with her mother at Baden-Baden in reduced circumstances, sharing a one-horse carriage.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lady Alexandrina De Courcy unlock in the free preview.

See Lady Alexandrina De Courcy in xvi mr crosbie meets an old clergyman on his way to courcy castle

See Lady Alexandrina De Courcy in Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly