Importance of Emma Orchardson

Emma is a woman Charles brings into the household under the pretense of being a housekeeper, but she is really his mistress. Her husband has left her for a local woman who is pregnant with his child. Her interactions with Beryl center around trying to get Beryl to act like a lady and Beryl resents her. She is behind the string of governesses Beryl has, Beryl's stint at boarding school and perhaps Beryl's decision to stay and marry Jock instead of going to Cape Town with her father. She also instigates Beryl's coming out party where Beryl first meets Denys and Berkeley.