Betty

Betty is the main character of the book and the chief resident of Bettyville. Betty was born Betty Baker in Madison, Missouri. Betty was a beautiful girl but grew up relatively poor and was always concerned with money after that. Betty's family owned several lumberyards and she became one of the principals along with her mother and two brothers. Betty used to love to go to St. Louis and buy pretty clothes but her mother made her feel guilty for spending money so she always took them back, a habit that remains.

Before Betty married George's father, she had briefly dated the man who would become the father of the governor of Missouri. Betty was a beautiful young woman but a bit insecure about her looks. Betty married George's father and they moved to Springfield, Illinois, but eventually returned to Madison to be near her family. Betty felt...