| Julia Woodruff is 23 and the eldest of the Woodruff sisters. She has recently become betrothed to a solemn young clergyman, a Mr Beaton, and has already begun to prepare for her role as a pious clergyman's wife. Julia has always been of a serious manner, and her intended husband suits her perfectly in this respect. He does not attend balls or parties, preferring a strict stance on his position, and Julia also practices this. She has given many of her finer dresses and jewelry to Helen and especially to Catherine, who adores anything bright and fine, and has resigned herself to wearing somber colors. As the eldest daughter in a motherless household, Julia has held the role of mother and chatelaine since she was young, and is competent in all domestic tasks. |
