The Venetians · Character

Maud Hartley

A young woman, possibly a Hartley, whose fate becomes intertwined with the Vansittarts.

supporting

Also known as Maud, Poor little Maud, Maud Vansittart

First appearance: i in the city by the sea

As a supporting figure in The Venetians, Maud Hartley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Vansittart's sister, recently presented at court, discusses her social season and Sir Hubert's attentions.

In the storyAfterthoughtsOpen this moment free

Maud Hartley appears in The Venetians as supporting figure.

Maud Hartley first appears in 0000 i in the city by the sea.

With Eve Marchant (rivalry): Maud is a social rival to Eve, competing for status and the attention of the same men. With Eve Marchant (rivalry): Maud is a social rival to Eve, competing for status and the attention of the same men. With Eve Marchant (rivalry): Maud is a social rival to Eve, competing for status and the attention of the same men.

See Maud Hartley in Afterthoughts Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Central social families
Venetian local characters
Protagonist

+17 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

Eve’s confrontation with Fiordelisa is the dramatic climax because it forces the two women—rivals in love—into…

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Relationships

Eve Marchant
rivalry · negative
Maud is a social rival to Eve, competing for status and the attention of the same men. How this plays out →
Eve Marchant
rivalry · negative
Maud is a social rival to Eve, competing for status and the attention of the same men. How this plays out →
Eve Marchant
rivalry · negative
Maud is a social rival to Eve, competing for status and the attention of the same men. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Maud Hartley in i in the city by the sea

In the story

Maud Hartley appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Afterthoughts
Vansittart's sister, recently presented at court, discusses her social season and Sir Hubert's attentions.
III: “Fairies!”
Now married to Sir Hubert, she discusses her past flirtations and her husband's devotion, while showing a somewhat frivolous and self-aware nature.
VIII: A Face in the Crowd
Writes to Jack, warning him that Eve Marchant is 'impossible' as a wife but charming as a human being, and that she has invited her to Redwold Towers.
XII: “One Born to Love You, Sweet”
Mentioned in Vansittart's letter to his mother, as he hopes Eve will be like a second daughter to her.
XIII: “The Time of Lovers Is Brief”
Expresses disappointment at her brother's choice, though she admits Eve is adorable, and worries about the Marchant family's drawbacks.
XIV: As a Spirit from Dream to Dream
Lady Hartley is kind to Eve, taking her to London and helping her prepare her trousseau, acting as a generous sister figure.
XV: “Love Should Be Absolute Love”
Mentioned as generous and kind, dressing exquisitely but not extravagant, and remembered for her childhood charity.
From the Evil to Come
Eve's mother-in-law, now showing more affection toward Eve, acknowledging her as Mrs. John Vansittart.
The Little Rift
Maud, now Lady Hartley, hosts a party where Lisa Vivanti performs. She is part of the social circle that Eve and Vansittart move in.
XXIX: 'Tis Not the Same Now, Never More Can Be
Mentioned as the woman who revealed the truth to Eve, though not present in this chapter.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Maud Hartley unlock in the free preview.

See Maud Hartley in i in the city by the sea

See Maud Hartley in Afterthoughts