Kitty Baldry
Chris's wife, whom he cannot remember, and the guardian of the polished life he no longer recognizes.
To be recognized as Chris's wife and restore their marriage and social world.
The book
At a glance
- Chris Baldry
- Baldry Court
- Oliver, deceased
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeKitty is Chris's wife and mistress of Baldry Court. She has used beauty, taste, and order to build the life she believes should call him home.
His failure to recognize her is an intimate rejection she did not choose. Her social cruelty toward Margaret is tied to fear that Chris's happiest self excludes their marriage.
Kitty wants restoration, but the novel shows how narrow that word can be when it means returning a husband to a role.
How the book draws them
- Carefully arranged beautyAppearance is part of the order she maintains.
- Unrecognized wifeChris receives her as a stranger.
- Keeper of roomsThe estate is her argument for their shared life.
- Class defenseShe attacks Margaret's presentation when status cannot secure love.
- Private griefOliver's absence lives beneath household polish.
- Window witnessShe watches for the familiar husband to cross the lawn.
When Chris's memory returns, Kitty recognizes his soldier's bearing and calls him cured. Jenny sees the grief and military duty restored with it.
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