Who is Anne Alexander Gordon from Ladies of the Club and what is their importance?

Anne Alexander Gordon is the main character in Ladies of the Club. She is married to John Gordon and stays with him through thick and thin..... even after learning of his numerous affairs and the existence of an illegitimate son. Anne spends her life trying to convince herself that the rumor isn't true. Even going so far as to welcome both the child and his mother to Waynesboro when they relocate to town.