# Lady Knollys — Uncle Silas character guide > Lady Knollys in Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Cousin Monica, Monica, Cousin Monica Knollys, Knollys, Monica Knollys, old Monica Knollys, Aunt Monica, IX Monica Knollys, X Lady Knollys, XI Lady Knollys, miladi Knollys, Miss Knollys **First appearance:** 0011-volume-i-ix-monica-knollys ## Who they are Maud's blunt, warm-hearted cousin, whose gossipy candor and fierce loyalty make her the one voice daring to speak plainly against Silas. ## Relationships ### [Maud Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/maud_ruthyn) _family_ Lady Knollys is Maud's warm and protective aunt, offering genuine affection and support against the threats surrounding her. ### [Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/uncle_silas) _rivalry_ Lady Knollys deeply distrusts Uncle Silas and actively opposes his influence over Maud, viewing him as a dangerous manipulator. ### [Madame de la Rougierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/madame_de_la_rougierre) _rivalry_ Lady Knollys immediately recognizes Madame de la Rougierre as a dangerous and deceitful woman, openly opposing her influence over Maud. ### [Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/uncle_silas) _rivalry_ Lady Knollys deeply distrusts Uncle Silas and actively opposes his influence over Maud, viewing him as a dangerous manipulator. ### [Maud Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/maud_ruthyn) _family_ Lady Knollys is Maud's warm and protective aunt, offering genuine affection and support against the threats surrounding her. ### [Madame de la Rougierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/madame_de_la_rougierre) _rivalry_ Lady Knollys immediately recognizes Madame de la Rougierre as a dangerous and deceitful woman, openly opposing her influence over Maud. ### [Maud Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/maud_ruthyn) _family_ Lady Knollys is Maud's warm and protective aunt, offering genuine affection and support against the threats surrounding her. ### [Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/uncle_silas) _rivalry_ Lady Knollys deeply distrusts Uncle Silas and actively opposes his influence over Maud, viewing him as a dangerous manipulator. ### [Madame de la Rougierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/madame_de_la_rougierre) _rivalry_ Lady Knollys immediately recognizes Madame de la Rougierre as a dangerous and deceitful woman, openly opposing her influence over Maud. ## In the story ### [VIII: The Smoker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-viii-the-smoker) Expected to visit Knowl; Madame inquires about her age, wealth, and relation to Maud, then feigns illness to avoid meeting her. ### [IX: Monica Knollys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-ix-monica-knollys) Arrives with her nephew, brings energy and humor, criticizes Maud's dress and her father's seclusion, warns about Madame de la Rougierre. ### [X: Lady Knollys Removes a Coverlet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-x-lady-knollys-removes-a-coverlet) Visits Knowl, criticizes Maud's appearance, and insists on seeing Madame de la Rougierre despite her feigned illness. ### [XI: Lady Knollys Sees the Features](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xi-lady-knollys-sees-the-features) Confronts Madame de la Rougierre, expresses shock and suspicion, and advises Maud to secure her room. ### [A Curious Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xii-a-curious-conversation) Lady Knollys shares the troubling story of Uncle Silas's past, including the murder suspicion, while showing a mix of reluctance and candor. ### [XIII: Before and After Breakfast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xiii-before-and-after-breakfast) Lady Knollys warns Maud about Captain Oakley's motives, insists he leave, and advises Maud against his advances. She exerts control over the situation. ### [Angry Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xiv-angry-words) Warns Maud about Madame and argues fiercely with Austin Ruthyn about the governess's character. ### [XV: A Warning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xv-a-warning) Visits Maud to warn her about Madame de la Rougierre, advising caution and secrecy before departing Knowl. ### [A Midnight Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xviii-a-midnight-visitor) Maud's cousin, whose warnings about Madame are recalled; she writes a letter proposing to visit and take Maud to London. ### [XIX: Au Revoir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xix-au-revoir) Mentioned as the person Austin Ruthyn plans to invite for a visit to advise Maud; Maud is forbidden to discuss the conversation with her. ### [Austin Ruthyn Sets Out on His Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xx-austin-ruthyn-sets-out-on-his-journey) Lady Knollys writes a lively letter announcing her imminent visit to Knowl. ### [Arrivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxi-arrivals) Arrives to support Maud, manages funeral details, and discusses the will and the key with Maud. ### [XXII: Somebody in the Room with the Coffin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxii-somebody-in-the-room-with-the-coffin) Skeptical of Uncle Silas's letter, she warns Maud about his possible mercenary motives. She stays with Maud at night and witnesses Doctor Bryerly's strange behavior. ### [I Talk with Doctor Bryerly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiii-i-talk-with-doctor-bryerly) Cousin Monica is present in the schoolroom, immediately notices Maud's distress, and comforts her, offering to attend the will reading. ### [The Opening of the Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiv-the-opening-of-the-will) Cousin Monica, who tries to reassure Maud but is herself visibly disturbed by the will's provisions. ### [XXV: I Hear from Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxv-i-hear-from-uncle-silas) Protests Maud's guardianship arrangement, criticizes Doctor Clay and Danvers, and vows to oppose Uncle Silas after reading his postscript. ### [The Story of Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxvi-the-story-of-uncle-silas) Cousin Monica provides a detailed account of Uncle Silas's past, including his marriage, gambling, and the Charke affair. ### [More About Tom Charke’s Suicide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxvii-more-about-tom-charke-s-suicide) Relates the story of Tom Charke's suicide and the scandal, expressing her perplexity about Uncle Silas's character. ### [I Am Persuaded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxviii-i-am-persuaded) Lady Knollys strongly urges Maud to reconsider going to Bartram-Haugh, warning that the house is socially condemned and that the arrangement could harm Maud's future. ### [How the Ambassador Fared](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxix-how-the-ambassador-fared) Lady Knollys tries to comfort Maud and argues that consulting Uncle Silas was the right course, but she is troubled by Maud's agitation. ### [On the Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxx-on-the-road) Expresses concern about Mary Quince's abilities and warns Maud about potential dangers; stays at Knowl until Maud's departure. ### [XXXIV: Zamiel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxxiv-zamiel) Mentioned by Mr. Carysbroke as a reference for his drawing abilities. ### [XXXV: We Visit a Room in the Second Storey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxxv-we-visit-a-room-in-the-second-storey) Sends kind letters to Maud, promises to visit and include Milly in her invitation for Christmas. ### [III: A Midnight Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-iii-a-midnight-departure) Lady Knollys returns and visits Maud at Bartram-Haugh, bringing cheer and meeting Milly. ### [Cousin Monica and Uncle Silas Meet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-iv-cousin-monica-and-uncle-silas-meet) Visits Bartram-Haugh; confronts Uncle Silas with sharp words, tries to arrange a visit for Maud and Milly to Elverston, and confides her alarm at Silas's appearance and behavior. ### [V: In Which I Make Another Cousin's Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-v-in-which-i-make-another-cousin-s-acquaintance) Lady Knollys sends a welcome letter to Maud. ### [VI: My Cousin Dudley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-vi-my-cousin-dudley) Lady Knollys sends a note inviting Maud and Milly to Elverston, and she has written to Uncle Silas to request their visit. ### [Elverston and Its People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-vii-elverston-and-its-people) Hosts Maud and Milly at Elverston; warns Maud about Charles Oakley and Dudley; discusses Uncle Silas's questionable activities. ### [News at Bartram Gate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-viii-news-at-bartram-gate) Hostess at Elverston; reveals Lord Ilbury's true identity and facilitates the social atmosphere. ### [XIII: Question and Answer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xiii-question-and-answer) Lady Knollys is the subject of Uncle Silas's interrogation and the recipient of his angry refusal letter. ### [XVII: The Picture of a Wolf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xvii-the-picture-of-a-wolf) Maud writes to her as instructed by Uncle Silas. ### [An Odd Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xviii-an-odd-proposal) Lady Knollys sends a long, affectionate letter to Maud, full of gossip and kindness. ### [The Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxii-the-letter) Writes a cheerful letter to Maud, unaware of her peril, and is the intended recipient of Maud's secret message. ### [XXIII: Lady Knollys' Carriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxiii-lady-knollys-carriage) Visits Bartram-Haugh with guests, is deceived by Uncle Silas and Madame about Maud's whereabouts, and later recounts the conversation with Silas. ### [XXIV: A Sudden Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxiv-a-sudden-departure) Maud writes to Lady Knollys as instructed, and Uncle Silas sends a separate letter explaining the sudden departure. ### [The Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxv-the-journey) Mentioned as a possible alternative guardian; Madame offers to take Maud to her, but Maud distrusts the offer. ### [Spiced Claret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxviii-spiced-claret) Maud briefly thinks she hears Lady Knollys's voice in Uncle Silas's room, but she is not actually present. ### [In the Oak Parlour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxx-in-the-oak-parlour) Receives Maud at Elverston as she collapses in the oak parlour. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-conclusion) Maud's beloved cousin Monica, still living and youthful in spirit, who took Maud to the Continent. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/lady_knollys - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters