Darling Girls

Along with Norah and Alicia, Jessica is the oldest of the three foster sisters. She is with Miss Fairchild from the ages of 4 to 14. Initially introduced in the novel as “Australia’s leading expert on home organization” (5), the adult Jessica presents a façade of control and competence in her professional life. However, this exterior masks deep-seated anxiety and trauma stemming from her childhood with Miss Fairchild at Wild Meadows. Jessica’s behavior is marked by recurring panic and nagging anxiety that causes her reliance on Valium. She often steals pills from her clients, and this behavior contrasts sharply with her respectable public image.

Jessica’s relationship with Miss Fairchild is complex. As the first child to arrive at Wild Meadows, Jessica initially sees Miss Fairchild as a mother figure and is desperate for love and security after losing her own mother. Jessica’s desire for maternal affection makes her more susceptible to Miss Fairchild’s manipulation and abuse, and she harbors conflicted loyalties that persist into adulthood.

Throughout the novel, Jessica’s character develops toward confronting her past and overcoming her addiction. Her overdose serves as a turning point, forcing her to face her demons. By the end of the novel, Jessica gains the ability to confront Miss Fairchild without succumbing to manipulation, thereby demonstrating increased self-awareness and strength.