Muriel Lester

Jane Ward

Muriel Lester is a close friend of Jane, with a bond that includes mutual support and shared interests.

Isabel

Isabel and Muriel Lester are friends who share a bond within Jane's wider social circle.

Robin Bridges

Muriel Lester and Robin Bridges are friends who interact within the same social group as Jane.

Jane Ward

Muriel Lester is a close friend of Jane, with a bond that includes mutual support and shared interests.

Isabel

Isabel and Muriel Lester are friends who share a bond within Jane's wider social circle.

Jane Ward

Muriel Lester is a close friend of Jane, with a bond that includes mutual support and shared interests.

Isabel

Isabel and Muriel Lester are friends who share a bond within Jane's wider social circle.

Robin Bridges

Muriel Lester and Robin Bridges are friends who interact within the same social group as Jane.

I

Jane's friend, from a wealthy family with a Jewish background; she teases Jane and has a real suit and Eton jacket.

I

Jane's friend, also sixteen, who questions Jane's desire for college and embodies the conventional path of beauty and marriage.

II

Hosts the party; coordinates the tally-ho ride; later asks Jane to keep the gondola sighting secret.

I

Muriel is the subject of gossip regarding her relationship with Bert Lancaster, and her reception is the event the family is preparing to attend.

II

Muriel is the hostess of the party, dressed in white lace and flirting with Mr. Bert Lancaster.

III

A guest who changes her flowers, wears a blue satin dress, and dances with Bert Lancaster.

IV

Announces her engagement to Mr. Bert Lancaster, wearing a red suit and a large solitaire ring.

I

The bride; marries Mr. Bert Lancaster.

I

Mentioned as having written a letter of condolence to Flora; in the Canadian Rockies.

Chapter II

Teases Jane about Stephen's infatuation and advocates for the match.

IV

Muriel appears at the rink with Bert Lancaster, interrupting Jane and Stephen's skating, and shows a giggling, mischievous attitude.

II

Muriel, pregnant with a baby due in August, is helped to her feet by Mr. Bert Lancaster, prompting Jane's reflections on motherhood.

Part III: Jimmy

Spreads gossip about Jane and Jimmy, fueling social tension.

Chapter III

Mentioned as a married woman who collects infatuated young men.

I

Subject of gossip; her husband Bert has had a stroke, and she is rumored to be involved with Cyril Fortune.

Mrs. Lester's Seventy-Fifth Birthday

Organizes the party, mentions inviting Jimmy Trent for Jane.

V

Receives devoted attention from Jimmy at the party, competing with Cyril Fortune.

II

Gossiped about seeing Jane and Jimmy at De Jonche's, sparking the family discussion.

III

Gossips about seeing Jane and Jimmy at De Jonche's, prompting Isabel's confrontation.

I

Frivolous and pretty, organizes the Red Cross circle, makes jokes about famine, and is proud of her son Albert in uniform.

Chapter II

Mentioned as someone who will be consulted about the wedding plans.

III

Mother of Albert, advocates for both marriages, logical and brisk, mentions her husband Bert's helpless condition.

V

Friend, comments on bridesmaid duties and recalls past events.

VI

Radiant under a new mauve hat, rests her arm on Mrs. Lester's wheelchair, and requested the Barcarolle.

I

Mentioned as grieving her mother Mrs. Lester; described as a potentially dreadful mother-in-law who wants Belle to wear crepe.

I

Announces her engagement to Ed Brown, causing surprise and discussion among the family.

III

Recently married Ed Brown, departs for a trip around the world, disconcerted by rice throwing.

V

Mentioned as having given money to Albert during Uncle Bert's illness.

V

Mentioned as being happily married to Ed Brown; Flora comments on her being a perfect wife.

VII

Joins Jane and Stephen for lunch at the Ritz with Ed Brown.

VIII

Wears a striking black-and-white satin costume and chats with the young clergyman, using her charm to put him at ease.