The Two Pearls of Allington
Lily is portrayed as the queen of the croquet ground, sharp-tongued and perceptive, calling Crosbie a 'swell' and a 'mere clerk' while showing her pride in the Small House lawn.
The Widow Dale of Allington
Lily is lively and teasing, calling Mr. Crosbie 'Apollo' and joking about croquet by moonlight. She inadvertently upsets Bell by mentioning Dr. Crofts.
Mrs. Roper's Boardinghouse
The object of John Eames's unrequited love; she is remembered fondly but does not appear in this chapter.
About L. D.
Engaged to Mr. Crosbie; she is walking in the garden with him when Eames arrives, and her name is invoked by Amelia Roper as 'L. D.'
Beautiful Days
Lily is blissfully engaged to Crosbie, seeing him as an Apollo, and is supported by her family.
The Beginning of Troubles
Feels guilty for not showing enough love to Crosbie and worries she may drive him away. Confides in Bell about her self-criticism.
It Cannot Be
Lily writes notes for the party and discusses dancing on the lawn with Crosbie and Bernard.
Mrs. Dale's Little Party
Hosts the party; openly displays her love for Crosbie with a playful curtsy, though Crosbie privately disapproves.
Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly
Lily is joyful and devoted to Crosbie, but feels the pain of his impending departure and the shortened time they have together.
A Visit to Guestwick
Rides triumphantly through Guestwick as an engaged woman, feeling envied and happy, but later defends her friendship with John Eames against Crosbie's objections.
John Eames Takes a Walk
Lily is the object of John's sentimental love, now lost to him. He reflects on her as 'gone from him forever.'
The Last Day
Lily experiences emotional highs and lows, clinging to Crosbie despite his ungenerous hints about money and delays. She expresses deep devotion, comparing herself to Ruth, but is wounded by his tone.
Mr. Crosbie Meets an Old Clergyman on His Way to Courcy Castle
Lily is not present in the chapter but is remembered fondly by Crosbie and Bernard.
Courcy Castle
Lily Dale is mentioned in conversation as Crosbie's fiancée, though Crosbie seeks to avoid discussing her.
Lily Dale's First Love-Letter
The recipient of Crosbie's first love letter, waiting anxiously for news from him.
Dr. Crofts
Mentioned as the younger sister whose engagement to Crosbie is doubted by Lord De Guest.
John Eames Encounters Two Adventures, and Displays Great Courage in Both
Writes a loving letter to Crosbie and begins preparing household items for her marriage.
Mr. Plantagenet Palliser
Referenced as the wronged fiancée; Crosbie's letters to her become increasingly insincere.
XXIV: A Mother-in-Law and a Father-in-Law
Lily writes a letter to Crosbie expressing her disappointment at not hearing from him, but she remains affectionate and trusting.
Adolphus Crosbie Spends an Evening at His Club
Referenced as the jilted fiancée; Crosbie's betrayal and the squire's outrage center on her.
XXVII: “On My Honour, I Do Not Understand It.”
Waits anxiously for letters from Crosbie, receives a brief and troubling note, but remains determined to trust him.
The Board
Mentioned as the woman Crosbie has betrayed; he recalls her virtues with regret.
John Eames Returns to Burton Crescent
Mentioned as engaged to Adolphus Crosbie, causing John Eames's despair.
XXX: Is It from Him?
Lily receives the news of Crosbie's betrayal, initially calm but later breaks down, forgiving him.
The Wounded Fawn
Lily shows courage and resilience after Crosbie's betrayal, declaring she will always love him but can bear the pain; she falls ill briefly then recovers, asserting her intention to remain dutiful only for a time.
Pawkins's in Jermyn Street
Referenced as the object of John Eames's affections; the earl encourages Eames to pursue her.
The Time Will Come
Lily feels sore and anxious upon hearing that John Eames is nearby, connecting every event to her heartbreak.
The Combat
Referenced as the young lady whose heart Crosbie broke, motivating Eames's attack.
Vae Victis
Referenced in conversation as the woman Crosbie jilted; Butterwell mentions her, and Crosbie expresses guilt over his behavior.
An Old Man's Complaint
Lily is referenced as the other niece; the squire hopes she may eventually accept John Eames, and he plans to be generous if she does.
Doctor Crofts Is Called In
Lily shows resilience and supports the decision to leave, though still grieving her broken engagement.
Dr. Crofts Is Turned Out
Lily is recovering from scarlatina; her illness delays the family's move.
XLII: Lily's Bedside
Convalescing from scarlatina; she is playful and saucy with Dr. Crofts and her family, but also reveals deep sorrow over her broken engagement.
Valentine's Day at Allington
Lily demands to know Crosbie's wedding day, struggles with her emotions on Valentine's Day, and tries to maintain a brave front while discussing the event.
Valentine’s Day in London
Mentioned in Crosbie's thoughts as the warm, engaging partner he has lost.
John Eames at His Office
Mentioned as the object of John Eames's affection; her recovery from illness is noted, and she is unaware of the squire's consent.
XLVIII: Nemesis
Mentioned in Crosbie's thoughts as the woman who would have made his home bright.
Preparations for Going
Lily refuses the invitation to the Manor, seeing through the scheme to reunite her with John Eames, and throws herself into packing to distract from her grief.
Mrs. Dale Is Thankful for a Good Thing
Too ill and unwilling to visit Guestwick Manor; later teases Bell about her engagement.
The First Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
Mentioned as having been ill with scarlatina but recovering; John resolves to visit her.
LIII: Loquitur Hopkins
Engages with Hopkins, teasing him about his authority; remains silent about the move but is present during the packing.
The Second Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
Refuses John's proposal, still loving Crosbie; shows kindness but firmness.
LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother
Lily firmly rejects her mother's urging to accept John Eames, declaring she is still married in her heart to Crosbie and cannot forget him.
The Fate of the Small House
Reacts with characteristic humor and skepticism to the news of staying and the gift of three thousand pounds, while also showing sensitivity about any mention of John Eames.
Conclusion
Resolves to be happy after her broken engagement, mediates between the squire and Hopkins, and remains at the Small House.
