In the strict Victorian society, she has been told that homosexuality is wicked, and that she is 'degenerate.' She also feels guilt because of her father's sexual abuse of her, as a small child-he told her that she ' it out in him,' and so Felicity grew up blaming herself and trying to believe that her father really did care about her as his child, and not just as something to abuse.įelicity, though very rich, had a miserable childhood. Felicity also suffers from feelings of guilt and self-loathing because of her feelings for other girls. However, any reminder of 'weakness' she has shown in the past (for example, her father's sexual abuse of her as a child) causes her to become enraged or depressed, or both. In the end of the novel, she even shows her loyalty to the 'good' realm by choosing to go with Gemma and Ann, instead of staying on the 'bad' realm with Pippa, whom she was in love with. She never hesitates, and is very quick to stand up for her friends, both verbally and physically. Throughout the novel, Felicity shows how loyal she can be. She also secretly meets with a gypsy named Ithal. She tells her friends about the number of men she would be with when she grows up. Hence, they constantly bully the other 'lower class' girls at the school.Īnother dominant attitude of Felicity's is her daring promiscuity. She, along with her friend Pippa, are the most popular girls at Spence Academy. She expresses her wish to be the most powerful lady all of England would see, when she grows up.

Her middle name Mildrade come from Old English and means 'gentle and strong'.įelicity is constantly defined as a physically and emotionally stong person. 'Felicity' means 'happy', although her character is far from it. Worthington, her last name, means 'from the river's side'.

It is Brigid, holding an old doll… the same one Sarah threatened her with twenty years ago.Felicity Worthington is one of the protagonists the novel.

Out of the silence, a scream scares them all and they run downstairs.

Nightwing would rather believe her girls' poor behavior is a teacher's fault than their own she is planning on firing Miss Moore. No matter about Gemma's effort though, since Mrs.Nightwing questions the girls about whether this is true and Ann and Felicity agree, but Gemma tries hard to protect her favorite teacher. Nightwing reveals Mary Dowd's diary and says Pippa confessed everything to her about the woods and caves and said Miss Moore gave the book to them. She pleads with her mother not to make her marry, but she just tells Pippa she will thank her someday. Bumble are escorted by Brigid to drink some port and celebrate their victory, while Pippa is nearly dragged out by her mother to be fitted for a dress. Bumble has been assured that she was lying-so by the end of the week, Pippa will be married and gone from Spence forever. Bumble and the Crosses are at Spence because they have been talking about Pippa's confession and Mr.

A great terrible beauty