Alice Maybell
The protagonist, a pretty young woman, leaves her aunt's house to return to Wyvern, hinting at hidden unhappiness.
II: The Vale of Carwell
Anxious and secretive, Alice directs the driver to Carwell Grange to see an old woman, promising secrecy and a reward.
III: The Grange
Travels to Carwell Grange, meets the mysterious veiled woman, reads a distressing letter, and returns to Wyvern.
IV: The Old Squire and Alice Maybell
The orphaned daughter of the late vicar, taken in by the Squire as a child and now a young woman living at Wyvern.
V: The Terrace Garden
Grown up pretty and lonely, she is the subject of town gossip about her supposed designs on the Squire or Wyvern. Found crying in the terrace garden, she is confused by the Squire's cryptic promises.
VI: The Old Squire Unlike Himself
Frightened and confused by the Squire's unexpected proposal, she escapes to her room.
The Squire's Eldest Son Comes Home
Terrified and distressed by the Squire's proposal, she feigns a headache to avoid him and later secretly meets a mysterious man outside the house.
Never Did Run Smooth
Secretly plans to elope with Ry; feigns illness to avoid suspicion.
IX: In Which the Squire Loses His Gold-Headed Cane
Referenced through her farewell letter to the Squire, revealing she has left Wyvern and is married to Charles.
X: The Drive Over Cressley Common by Moonlight
Travels by chaise across Cressley Common, anxiously watching for Charles Fairfield.
Home
Alice is ecstatic about her new life with Charles, dreaming of a paradise where she can have him all to herself. She is naive and hopeful, but also sensitive to Charles's growing unease.
The Omen of Carwell Grange
Arrives at Carwell Grange as Charles's wife, initially cheerful but unsettled by a vision of a falling black curtain.
XIII: An Inspection of Carwell Grange
Arrives at Carwell Grange, feels anxious but is comforted by Charles; explores the garden and inventories household goods with youthful enthusiasm.
XIV: A Letter
Alice is anxious and unsettled after a fright involving old Mrs. Tarnley, and she timidly navigates her husband's moods and financial constraints.
XV: Harry Arrives
Kissed by Harry on arrival; blushes when she fails to find the brandy; echoes Charles's welcome to Harry; joins in thanking Harry for his support.
A Party of Three
Feels isolated and anxious after Harry's visit, suspects secrets, and longs for Charles's confidence.
Mildred Tarnley's Warning Story
Alice, now Mrs. Fairfield, is the young mistress of Carwell Grange, eager to hear the house's history but increasingly frightened by Mildred's grim warnings.
XVIII: The Brothers’ Walk
Mentioned as Charles's wife; he worries about her well-being and feels guilty for bringing her to Carwell Grange.
XIX: Coming In
Waits anxiously for Charles, tries to coax him into confiding in her, and later reveals her pregnancy, hoping it will bring them closer.
XX: Harry Appears at the Grange
Alice is mentioned as being in the garden, tending to her flowers, and is not present during the brothers' conversation.
Harry's Beer and Conversation
Not present in the scene, but is the central concern of the conversation; Charles and Harry discuss her happiness and the need to protect her from worry.
The Trout
Charles decides to tell Alice the truth, believing it is her right and that concealment would cause her more misery.
The Visitor
Alice is overjoyed but apologetic about the secrecy of her location, confides in Lady Wyndale about Charles's financial troubles and the quarrel with old Mr. Fairfield.
XXIV: The Summons
Deeply anxious and tearful, she pleads with Charles for the truth, is temporarily reassured by his lie, but remains vulnerable and isolated.
The Lady Has Her Tea
Referred to as the wife of Harry Fairfield, a pretty lass and daughter of a poor parson.
XXVII: Through the House
Mentioned as the wife of Master Harry; the lady asks about her.
The Bell Rings
Awake and anxious, she rings for Mrs. Tarnley, fearing Charles may have arrived, and apologizes for disturbing the household.
XXXI: News from Cressley Common
Asleep in her room, unaware of the maneuvering around her.
An Unlooked-for Return
Referred to as the mistress of the house, asleep upstairs, pregnant with Charles's child.
Charles Fairfield Alone
Charles writes a letter to Alice, instructing her to pack and meet him in Lonsdale.
XXXIV: Awake
Anxious and fearful, she confides in Dulcibella about her loneliness and fear of dying in childbirth like her mother.
Through the Wall
Alice is terrorized by nocturnal sounds and a violent intruder, fleeing the house in a state of panic.
A Messenger
Alice is in a state of shock and terror after being attacked by the blind woman, clinging to Mrs. Tarnley and weeping.
An Abduction
Comforted by Charles and told they must leave; she asks about the mysterious woman but is reassured.
XL: Pursuit
Mentioned as the 'poor young lady' who was attacked and is now recovering, though still unsettled and awaiting Charles's return.
Day—Twilight—Darkness
Suffering from severe nervous shock after the murder attempt, unable to eat, terrified of the Dutchwoman's return, and anxiously awaiting Charles's return.
The Welcome
Anxiously awaits Charles's return and welcomes him with relief and tears.
The Wykeford Doctor
Anxiously watches over Charles, pleads with the doctor for hope, and is overwhelmed by fear and sorrow.
XLV: Speech Returns
Devotedly nurses Charles, follows his whispered instructions, and receives the envelope of letters.
Harry Drinks a Glass and Spills a Glass
Reluctantly allows Harry to see Charles, urging him not to stay long.
Home to Wyvern
Lies ill at Carwell Grange, grieving for Charles and dreading the birth of their child.
A Twilight Visit
Ailing and bedridden, she receives Harry's visit and signs the paper to avoid prosecuting Bertha.
XLIX: The Heir of the Fairfields
Alice Fairfield is gravely ill after childbirth, lying near death and unable to speak above a whisper.
L: Bertha Velderkaust
Mentioned disparagingly by Harry as 'that chit down at Carwell Grange' in contrast to Bertha.
A Talk with the Squire
The Squire repeatedly calls her a 'bad un' and a 'sly lass,' blaming her for eloping with Charles and for the child at Carwell Grange.
LV: How Fares the Child?
Lying ill at Carwell Grange, near death, attended by Dr. Willett and Lady Wyndale; her recovery is slow and uncertain.
LIX: An Old Friend
Residing at Stanlake Farm for five weeks, she is distressed by Harry's graphic account of Bertha's death and describes the young boy playing with Amy.
Conclusion
Reunited with her son Henry; returns to Wyvern to see the dying Harry; later lives at Wyvern with the family.
