She was their father's youngest sister, and the wife of a man who had made some money as a builder in Whinborough.

When Robert came in he found her sitting on the sofa having tea, a large homely-looking woman with gray hair, a high brow, and prominent white teeth.

She had unfastened her bonnet strings, and a clean white handkerchief lay spread out on her lap.

When Elsmere was introduced to her, she got up, and said with some effusiveness, and a distinct Westmoreland accent: 'Very pleased indeed to make your acquaintance, sir,' while she enclosed his fingers in a capacious hand.
Mrs.Leyburn, looking fidgety and uncomfortable, was sitting near her, and Catherine, the only member of the party who showed no sign of embarrassment when Robert entered was superintending her aunt's tea and talking busily the while.
Robert sat down at a little distance beside Agnes and Rose, who were chattering together a little artificially and of set purpose, as it seemed to him.

But the aunt was not to be ignored.