Betsy

Also known as: Betsy Tverskaya / Princess / Princess Betsy / Princess Betsy Tverskaya / Princess Elizaveta Federovna Tverskaya / Princess Tverskaya / the hostess · Family: fashionable world · Role: princess · First appears: PART ONE · Chapter 33

In chapter 33, Anna was invited to Betsy’s evening gathering but did not go. By chapter 34, Vronsky planned to visit Betsy as he began entering the society where he could meet Anna. Since Anna’s return from Moscow, Betsy had drawn her away from serious-minded company into the fashionable world, giving her much attention and making fun of Countess Lidia Ivanovna’s circle; Betsy was also Vronsky’s cousin and hosted many of their meetings.

At Betsy’s house, guests alluded to her secret relations with Tushkevitch, while Karenin visited and spoke with the company. Her closeness with Anna and Vronsky was later suggested to be unsuitable. Betsy hosted games and gatherings with Liza Merkalova and Baroness Shtoltz, walked with Tushkevitch and a young relation, discussed public affairs with Princess Myakaya, and joined Stepan Arkadyevitch and Anna in betting on races. At Peterhof, Anna left with Betsy after Karenin’s visit; later Betsy invited Vronsky to dinner when he could not attend her croquet party, and sent him a note after which he left a fête.

Betsy continued to carry news between the others, telling Anna that Vronsky wished to say goodbye before leaving for Tashkend and reporting that Karenin had agreed to a divorce, so Vronsky could visit Anna. In the later chapters, Tushkevitch was described as Betsy’s admirer, but Betsy rejected him; he then came to visit Anna and Vronsky. Anna described Betsy as “Au fond, c’est la femme la plus depravée qui existe.” and said that Betsy had carried on an intrigue with Tushkevitch while deceiving her husband.