Little Women
Mr. Laurence
Laurie's grandfather
The wealthy, gruff old gentleman next door. Under his stern manner is a generous and tender heart.
James Laurence is Laurie's grandfather and the owner of the great house next to the Marches'. He is rich and aristocratic and looks stern, and the girls are a little afraid of him at first. He is a strict guardian to Laurie, though he is much softer than he seems.
He is deeply touched by music and by family affection. He holds Marmee in great respect, and he takes to the March girls, especially Beth, with real tenderness.
“No one will disturb you, little Beth. The house is quiet, and the piano longs for someone to play it.”
In the story
Contains spoilers.
After hearing how the girls gave away their Christmas breakfast, he sends them a grand feast of ice cream and bonbons. Jo meets him in his library, and he is pleased by her blunt honesty. He invites shy Beth to play his piano and later sends one to the Marches' parlor.
He watches Laurie graduate from Harvard with honors, cheering him on beside Jo and Meg. When Laurie leaves for Europe heartbroken, Mr. Laurence goes with him, saying a voyage will mend his spirits.
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