Who is Alexandras Grandfather from Something Wonderful and what is their importance?

Alexandra's grandfather is the motivational person in the story for her. He was her teacher and best friend, and knew that there would be more in Alexandra's life than a simple existence in Morsham and a phony existence like her mother's. He wanted more for her and hated it when Alexandra felt ordinary because she wasn't blond and pale like most London socialites. He teaches Alexandra about philosophy and what she learns from her grandfather follows her around for the rest of her life. Alexandra's grandfather dies when she is still young, around the same time as her father.