Pat Fortescue

In the novel A Pocket Full of Rye, Patricia “Pat” Fortescue is the recently married wife of Lance Fortescue. Lance is her third husband, and they met in Kenya. She is the daughter of an Irish Peer, and had a happy childhood in Ireland.

Her first husband had died in the Battle of Britain about a month after they were married. Her second husband, Lord Frederick Anstice, committed suicide. Thereafter she went to Kenya to start life afresh and there met Lance. She loves Lance and he loves her. She is unaware of Lance's crimes, believing the stories he tells of his father sending for him. Miss Marple advises her to return to her childhood home, if troubles should find her in her life again.

Pat is described as a "tall, long-legged girl, not beautiful but with a charm that was made up of vitality and a warm-hearted personality". She has chestnut brown hair.

Portrayals
In the BBC 1985 adaptation of the novel which formed part of the Miss Marple series, the part of Patricia Fortescue is played by Frances Low.

In the ITV 2008 adaptation of the novel (Episode 1, Season 4 of Agatha Christie's Marple), the part of Patricia Fortescue is played by Lucy Cohu.