The Splendid Spur · Character

Delia Killigrew

A chestnut-haired Killigrew heiress carried off by villains and worth every mile Jack rides to get her back from the sea.

major

Also known as Delia, Mistress Delia, Mistress Killigrew, Mistress Delia Killigrew

First appearance: i the bowling green of the crown

As a major figure in The Splendid Spur, Delia Killigrew is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Anthony's sister, whom he hopes to meet on the journey to Cornwall.

In the storyThe Young Man in the Cloak of Amber SatinOpen this moment free

See Delia Killigrew in The Young Man in the Cloak of Amber Satin Book page

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Delia Killigrew is the mistress of Gleys, a royalist lady whose beauty and name make her a prize in more than one schemer's game. When she is snatched aboard a sloop by Settle and his knaves, Jack's private errand becomes a rescue. She is no passive captive—her composure among strangers and her instinct for villainy steady the men around her, and her claim on her father's house drives the middle of the book.

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The fuller portrait of Delia Killigrew sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Delia Killigrew in i the bowling green of the crown

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the protagonist’s emotional nadir—his bitter humili…

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In the story

Delia Killigrew appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Young Man in the Cloak of Amber Satin
Anthony's sister, whom he hopes to meet on the journey to Cornwall.
My Adventure at the Three Cups
The young gentlewoman from Hungerford; singing at the inn, present in the foreign guests' room.
VI: The Flight in the Pine Wood
Sir Deakin's daughter; assists in the escape; binds the narrator's wound; keeps watch at dawn; discovers her father's death.
I Find a Comrade
Grieves for her father and brother Anthony; nurses Jack; proposes they travel together as comrades.
VIII: I Lose the King’s Letter; and Am Carried to Bristol
Travels with Jack; faints from hunger and weariness; captured and imprisoned with Jack.
I Break Out of Prison
Helps Jack escape from Mistress Finch's house, guiding him through the streets to the river.
Captain Pottery and Captain Settle
Companion to Jack; helps in the escape; avoids Jack's romantic advances; sings cheerfully after disembarking.
I Ride Down Into Temple: And Am Well Treated There
Mentioned; Jack recalls her last word 'Ride!' during his flight.
XIV: I Do No Good in the House of Gleys
Mentioned as the subject of Jack's search and Tingcomb's crimes.
XVII: I Meet with a Happy Adventure by Burning of a Green Light
Rescued from captors by Jack and Billy; joyfully reunited with Jack.
XVIII: Joan Does Me Her Last Service
Rides with Jack to see justice done; recounts her capture and imprisonment; present at Joan's death.
The Adventure of the Hearse
Accompanies Jack after Joan's burial; speaks of her disappointment and jealousy, and returns to Gleys.
XX: The Adventure of the Ledge; and How I Shook Hands with My Comrade
Escapes the fire, plans to sail to Brittany, confesses love to Jack and gives him her ring.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Delia Killigrew unlock in the free preview.

See Delia Killigrew in i the bowling green of the crown

See Delia Killigrew in The Young Man in the Cloak of Amber Satin