Charlotta the Fourth

Leonora Bowman, more well known as "Charlotta the Fourth", was the younger sister of Charlotta, Julietta and Evelina Bowman. She was also faithful maid of Lavender Lewis. Renowned for her large blue bows, freckles, and the proverbial 'wide smile', Charlotta was the "best of the Bowman girls", confided Lavender to Anne.

Early Life
Little is known about Charlotta's early life. Fourth of the Bowman girls, her actual name is Leonora. However, the first Bowman girl's name had been Charlotta, and Lavender, (who took the girls in for a helper, until they were sixteen and thus moved to Boston) had gotten into the habit of calling them all Charlotta... from first, to fourth.

Life with Lavender
Charlotta's life with Lavender could hardly be considered 'normal'. The two were quite a pair, used to eating all sorts of indegistible things, having dreadful midnight snacks—which sometimes resulted in dreams!—, and having rioutous occurances on all occasions. Such was the situation when Anne Shirley and Diana Barry happened to come upon Echo Lodge one day, when Lavender was pretending to have tea. Charlotta devoutly admired Anne's gracefulness and beauty. though she "liked Diana's beauty", as she assured Anne.

When Steven Irving came to take his bride, Charlotta featured largely in the preparation and aftermath. For example, she threw the shoe... with such accuracy that it hit Mr. Allan!

Residence in Boston
Charlotta the Fourth's residence in Boston is not elaborated on much. It is known, though, that she was delighted to be able to go to Boston. "And me only fifteen!"

Marriage
Charlotta married a young Bostinian by the name of Tom, who, of course, called her Charlotta. On the wedding day, though, he said "I take thee, Leonora." She had some children.

"And I was always so worried, Miss Shirley, that it wasn't me after all but someone else he was taking!"

- Charlotta to Anne Shirley

Appearances

 * Anne of Avonlea (first appearance)
 * Anne of the Island
 * Anne's House of Dreams