Description

Thirty-four. Former nurse, met Samuel at the hospital in Madras. Practical, unflappable, and not remotely interested in social climbing. Attends events because Samuel needs to be seen, not because she enjoys them.

Background

Nursed at Madras before her marriage, which in this society is a slightly awkward fact that she declines to be awkward about. She has seen cholera wards and she is not impressed by a dinner party.

Motivations

To keep her husband employed and socially survivable, and to be useful where being useful is possible.

What Meg Says

Patience Wright keeps Samuel from being drummed out of society through sheer force of being likeable where he isn’t.

Hook

Medical knowledge without a doctor’s authority, which makes her approachable in ways Samuel is not, and she is in the drawing room after the withdrawal where the men are not.

She would notice a woman being unwell and say nothing publicly. She would notice Meg being frightened about the pregnancy and has probably already offered.

Connections

• Samuel Wright — her husband
• Margaret Cavendish — a natural connection
• Scene 06 Ashworth Dinner

In Play

Chapter 4, Session 9 (9 October 1814) — met at Garden Reach. She attended the Magistrate’s dinner with her husband Samuel and went in to it on Reverend Jessop’s arm.

Appearances

Relationships

• Married to Samuel Wright — Married after nursing at Madras