In the novel Absent in the Spring, Miss Gilbey is a former headmistress at St. Anne's and Joan Scudamore's principal. A legendary figure feared and admired by students and parents alike, she was particularly renowned for her taking of leaving talks to her pupils. While stranded at Tell Abu Hamid, Joan thought about all the good advice she had given: "No lazy thinking, Joan, my dear! Don't just accept things at their face value--because it's the easiest way, and because it may save you pain! Life is meant to be lived, not glossed over. And don't be too pleased with yourself!" Joan later dreamt of Miss Gilbey and this conversation.
Miss Gilbey had retired the term after Joan's daughter Averil went to St. Anne's.