The Small House at Allington · Character

Mrs. Dale

The widowed mistress of the Small House, proud without vanity, who guards her daughters' standing while accepting nothing for herself.

major

Also known as Mrs. Dale, Old Mrs. Dale, the widow Dale

First appearance: i the squire of allington

As a major figure in The Small House at Allington, Mrs. Dale is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The widow of the youngest Dale brother, she lives modestly at the Small House with her daughters, grateful for the social advantages but aware of her strained relationship with…

In the storyThe Two Pearls of AllingtonOpen this moment free

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Mrs. Dale lives on her own modest fortune beside her brother-in-law's estate, dependent on the squire's countenance for her girls but never on his charity for herself. Her marriage was disliked by the squire and the two…

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See Mrs. Dale in i the squire of allington

Character Web

40 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Dale sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Allington Dale Family & Associates
De Courcy Family & Connections
Extended Characters & Minor Figures

+35 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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Relationships

Lilian Dale
family · positive
Lily is the devoted daughter of Mrs. How this plays out →
Christopher Dale
family · positive
John Eames
friendship · positive
Isabella Dale
family · positive
Adolphus Crosbie
social · negative
Lilian Dale
family · positive
Lily is the devoted daughter of Mrs. How this plays out →
Christopher Dale
family · positive
John Eames
friendship · positive
Isabella Dale
family · positive
Christopher Dale
family · positive
Adolphus Crosbie
social · negative
John Eames
friendship · positive

Lilian Dale
Lily is the devoted daughter of Mrs. Dale, sharing a close, loving, and protective bond.
Christopher Dale
Christopher Dale is Mrs. Dale's brother-in-law and the squire, maintaining a formal but caring family connection.
John Eames
John Eames is a trusted family friend of Mrs. Dale, who favors him as a potential husband for Lily.
Isabella Dale
Bell is Mrs. Dale's elder daughter, sharing a warm and supportive mother-daughter relationship.
Adolphus Crosbie
Crosbie initially charms Mrs. Dale as Lily's suitor, but later earns her deep resentment.
Lilian Dale
Lily is the devoted daughter of Mrs. Dale, sharing a close, loving, and protective bond.
Christopher Dale
Christopher Dale is Mrs. Dale's brother-in-law and the squire, maintaining a formal but caring family connection.
John Eames
John Eames is a trusted family friend of Mrs. Dale, who favors him as a potential husband for Lily.
Isabella Dale
Bell is Mrs. Dale's elder daughter, sharing a warm and supportive mother-daughter relationship.
Christopher Dale
Christopher Dale is Mrs. Dale's brother-in-law and the squire, maintaining a formal but caring family connection.
Adolphus Crosbie
Crosbie initially charms Mrs. Dale as Lily's suitor, but later earns her deep resentment.
John Eames
John Eames is a trusted family friend of Mrs. Dale, who favors him as a potential husband for Lily.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mrs. Dale in i the squire of allington

In the story

Mrs. Dale appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Two Pearls of Allington
The widow of the youngest Dale brother, she lives modestly at the Small House with her daughters, grateful for the social advantages but aware of her strained relationship with the squire.
The Widow Dale of Allington
The widow of Allington, proud and self-sacrificing, who buries herself to elevate her daughters. She reflects on her strained but respectful relationship with the squire and her hopes for Bell's future.
About L. D.
Informs John Eames of Lily's engagement to Crosbie, trying to spare his feelings.
Beautiful Days
Mrs. Dale expresses joy at Lily's engagement, though she initially had reservations about Crosbie's worthiness.
It Cannot Be
Mrs. Dale organizes the party for John Eames and discusses the plan with Bell.
Mrs. Dale's Little Party
Hosts the party; welcomes guests and mediates between Mrs. Hearn and the squire.
Lilian Dale Becomes a Butterfly
Mrs. Dale observes the squire's behavior and makes a point not to eat at his table after he refuses lunch at hers.
The Last Day
Mrs. Dale notices Lily's unusual brightness at dinner but later senses something is wrong when Lily claims a headache and goes to bed early.
Dr. Crofts
Previously ill, she had encouraged Dr. Crofts' visits, leading to his attachment to Bell.
John Eames Encounters Two Adventures, and Displays Great Courage in Both
Works with Lily and Bell on household items; asks about Crosbie's letter.
XXX: Is It from Him?
Mrs. Dale receives Crosbie's letter and delivers it to Lily, struggling to offer comfort.
The Wounded Fawn
Mrs. Dale writes a letter to Crosbie acknowledging his letter and conveying Lily's forgiveness, while privately hoping time will cure Lily and preferring John Eames as a suitor.
An Old Man's Complaint
Defends her maternal authority against the squire's interference, insisting that her daughters' affections cannot be commanded, though she is moved by his pain.
Doctor Crofts Is Called In
Decides to leave the Small House and informs the squire, feeling guilt and sadness over the move.
Dr. Crofts Is Turned Out
Decides to leave the Small House; communicates her intention to Mrs. Hearn.
XLII: Lily's Bedside
Lily's mother; she manages Lily's recovery and gently scolds her for her impertinent remarks to Dr. Crofts.
Valentine's Day at Allington
Mrs. Dale is conflicted, trying to support Lily while struggling to restrain her own anger toward Crosbie.
Preparations for Going
Mrs. Dale reads Bernard's letter and supports Bell's decision, though she privately regrets the loss of a good match; she also oversees the family's moving preparations.
Mrs. Dale Is Thankful for a Good Thing
Visits the squire with a note and discusses Lily's future; later rejoices in Bell's engagement.
LIII: Loquitur Hopkins
Receives the squire's grudging acceptance of Bell's marriage and his request for her to remain; feels it is too late to change plans.
The Second Visit to the Guestwick Bridge
Present during the proposal; conflicted but respects Lily's wishes.
LVII: Lilian Dale Vanquishes Her Mother
Mrs. Dale tries to counsel Lily to move on from Crosbie and consider John Eames, but is ultimately overcome by Lily's emotional appeal and agrees to be silent.
The Fate of the Small House
Returns from a two-hour interview with the squire, having agreed to stay at the Small House and conveying the squire's gifts to her daughters.
Conclusion
Remains at the Small House, with improved relations with the squire, and is promised a place in her daughter's home.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Dale unlock in the free preview.

See Mrs. Dale in i the squire of allington

See Mrs. Dale in The Two Pearls of Allington