Years of Grace
Jane's sister, who confronts Jane about Cicily's choices, highlighting family dynamics and differing perspectives on marriage.
Part I: André
Jane's sister; involved in romantic entanglements and family discussions.
I
Jane's sister, engaged to Robin Bridges, representing conventional marriage.
I
Jane's older sister, nineteen, a débutante; she is still in bed during breakfast and is a source of opinions Jane absorbs.
I
Jane's older sister, who gossips about bridegrooms and disapproves of Jane's friendship with Agnes and her college ambitions.
II
Jane's sister; dresses for the party in green; rides on the tally-ho with Robin Bridges.
III
Jane's sister, whose engagement to Robin Bridges is a key event in the chapter.
I
Jane's sister; argues with their mother about Jane attending the concert.
III
Discusses going to the theatre with Robin Bridges, unaware of Jane's turmoil.
IV
Confronts Jane about Cicily's engagement.
III
Announces her engagement to Robin Bridges in a letter to Jane, planning a September wedding.
IV
Isabel's wedding has just taken place, and Jane reflects on the event.
Commencement
Jane's sister; expecting a baby in July.
I
The eldest sister, engaged to Robin Bridges, representing traditional expectations of love and marriage.
I
Isabel arrives with her baby, discusses her dress and Robin's raise, and gossips about Muriel and Bert Lancaster.
II
Isabel is Jane's married sister, who accompanies her to the party and makes a gossipy remark about Mr. Lancaster and Muriel.
IV
Sits under the Christmas tree with baby John Ward; exchanges glances with Robin and Mrs. Ward about Muriel's engagement.
II
Jane's sister, involved in her own engagement and offering commentary on Jane's relationship.
I
Jane's sister; comments on the wedding and Mrs. Furness's absence.
Chapter II
Visits Jane with her baby Jacky, cautiously supports the idea of Jane marrying Stephen.
II
Isabel, now a mother with a two-year-old son, hums 'Dollie Grey' and leaves with her husband Robin.
IV
Jane's sister, holding her bouquet and crying at the wedding.
I
Jane's sister; represents traditional expectations of marriage and domesticity.
II
Jane's sister, involved in discussions about engagement and social expectations.
III
Jane's other daughter, engaged to Robin Bridges.
I
Discusses Bert Lancaster's seizure and Muriel's behavior, showing a modern, cynical view of marriage.
III
Isabel is present at the Thanksgiving gathering and questions Jane about Jimmy's absence.
II
Confronts Jane about the lunch, repeating Muriel's gossip and urging Jane to stop such behavior.
III
Confronts Jane about her friendship with Jimmy, causing Jane anger and frustration.
V
Confronts Jane about Cicily's situation.
I
Jane's sister; engaged to Robin Bridges.
I
Works bandage roller at Red Cross, worries about her son Jack going to war, and discusses Crisco and sugar substitutes.
Chapter II
Mentioned as the mother of Belle, who is being consulted about the double wedding.
III
Mother of Jack, wants Cicily to marry Jack but opposes Belle marrying Albert, emotional and tearful throughout.
IV
Enters the library with Mrs. Ward, expressing weariness over handling Belle and Cicily, and seeking support from Jane.
V
Mother of a bride, pleased with the compliments and chooses a tea-set.
VI
Stands beside Jane, sobs during the ceremony, and is emotional about the marriages.
II
Another daughter, involved in family dynamics and interactions.
I
Visits Jane to discuss Mrs. Lester's death; opposes Belle wearing mourning; criticizes Muriel's interference and the government's handling of soldiers after the armistice.
II
Isabel is present at the Ward home, worried about her father's illness and Minnie's attitude.
Chapter III
Sits with her mother, supports her during the vigil, and later helps lead the family from the room after Mr. Ward's death.
IV
Referred to as Belle, Cicily's sister, who is also pregnant and envied by Cicily.
VI
Argues passionately for Jack to pursue engineering, but ultimately concedes to Cicily's plans.
III
Confronts Jane about Cicily, representing a contrasting view on marriage and duty.
I
Jane's sister, visits for tea, reveals Muriel's past romantic entanglements, and debates with Cicily about morality.
III
Converses with Jane about Muriel's wedding and Albert's behavior.
I
Jane is going to take tea with Isabel at her mother's.
II
Isabel is distressed and confides in Jane about Cicily's relationship with Albert, feeling helpless and hurt for Belle.
III
Sits nearby on the balcony with Stephen; Jane wonders if Isabel is worried about Cicily and Albert.
IV
Arrives distraught, having witnessed Belle's emotional breakdown and their mother's religious condemnation; urges Jane to stop Cicily.
V
Present during the confrontation; drinks cocktails and eats sandwiches; urges Jack to stay with Cicily.
VI
Engaged to Robin Bridges, navigating familial expectations.
V
Mentioned by Flora; Jane expresses relief that Isabel is not present.
VII
Writes a long letter to Jane about Belle's engagement, their mother's health, and her feelings about modern divorce.
