Rachel Fedden
Gerald’s cultivated wife, whose affection for Nick proves less secure than he expects.
To preserve her family, social world, and belief in the people she loves.
The book
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeRachel comes from substantial wealth and gives the household much of its taste and social assurance.
She is grateful when Nick helps Catherine and welcomes him warmly.
Gerald’s betrayal and public disgrace reveal the limits of her loyalty to Nick.
How the book draws them
- CultivatedHer taste gives the Fedden house much of its beauty.
- AffectionateShe treats Nick as almost family for years.
- ProtectiveHer strongest loyalties remain within the family.
- WoundedGerald’s affair shatters her trust.
- Displacing blameIn anger she turns partly on Nick.
- Socially secureInherited class position protects her even during scandal.
Catherine exposes Gerald’s affair with Penny.
Rachel participates in the household’s rejection of Nick when the family closes ranks.
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