Dorothea
Keeper of the Copper Dormouse, painter, and Bartholomew’s sister.
Look closer at the illustration ↗Dorothea knows how to lay a fire and how to make a guest comfortable. She is also capable of deciding that the inn is closed for a week, even if the weather has a way of making exceptions.
She paints near the orchard window. The picture of three pears above the hearth is hers; the quiet hours required for another painting are sometimes harder to find than a place for another visitor.
Bartholomew is her brother. Their shared past survives in cups, paper theatres, Christmas preparations and the sort of conversation in which an old story needs only half a sentence.
People they know
Bartholomew Bellweather · From the illustrated world of Candlebury Bartholomew Bellweather
Her brother
Bartholomew visits his sister at the Copper Dormouse. They have made paper theatres together since childhood.
Henry Bellweather · Current character illustration. Henry Bellweather
Her nephew
Henry arrives a day early at the Copper Dormouse. Dorothea gives him the room over the porch.
Edward Bellweather · Current character illustration. 
Tobias Tallowick · From the illustrated world of Candlebury Tobias Tallowick
A snowbound guest
Dorothea takes Tobias in when snow stops the sleeper. The Tallowicks also keep her card with three beech leaves.
Beatrice beside the window on the sisters’ seaside holiday. Beatrice Thistleby
A snowbound guest
Dorothea welcomes the sisters when their train stops in the snow and gives them the big side bedroom.
Louisa in her plum hat on the sisters’ seaside holiday. Louisa Thistleby
A snowbound guest
Dorothea welcomes the sisters when their train stops in the snow and gives them the big side bedroom.
Pip Hobday · From the illustrated world of Candlebury Pip Hobday
The girl she meets at the wharf
Dorothea meets Pip at Little Tallowmere Wharf and takes her up through the orchard to the Copper Dormouse.
Ada Brimble · From the illustrated world of Candlebury Ada Brimble
The carrier bringing Pip to the wharf
Ada brings Pip to Dorothea at the wharf and says she will come up for breakfast in the morning.
Places in their stories
The Copper Dormouse
Dorothea’s inn, a little beyond the green at Little Tallowmere.
Little Tallowmere
A village green, pale stone, and an inn just beyond.
Patience arrives at Little Tallowmere Wharf.
Little Tallowmere wharf
A stone landing below the orchard, with a crane like a heron.
A short scene from here
A theatre on the tableCustoms & details
Stories
A Cosy Night at the Copper Dormouse
Rain reaches Little Tallowmere. Inside the inn, Bartholomew and Dorothea have a paper theatre to unpack.
With Bartholomew Bellweather, Dorothea
Snowed In at the Copper Dormouse
Dorothea means to close the inn for a week and paint. The snow has other plans for her household.
With Dorothea, Beatrice Thistleby, Louisa Thistleby, Tobias Tallowick
The Winter Sleeper Home from Brindlecombe
Say goodnight to Dorothea, then travel home through the winter with Bartholomew and Henry Bellweather.
With Bartholomew Bellweather, Dorothea, Tobias Tallowick, Edward Bellweather, Henry Bellweather, Lucy Bellweather
The Narrow Boat to Little Tallowmere
Travel with Ada Brimble, Pip and a new church bell aboard Patience, along the canal to Little Tallowmere.
With Ada Brimble, Pip Hobday, Dorothea, Ruth Coker, Josiah Coker, Mr Gedge