Mr. Roach

Mr. Roach is the head gardener at Misselthwaite Manor, a figure of authority over the grounds who, like nearly everyone else in the household, has never laid eyes on the reclusive Colin Craven. His role places him in charge of the undergardeners and the overall maintenance of the estate's gardens, a position that makes him a key figure in the practical running of the estate's outdoor spaces. He is described as a rather good-natured man, and his reaction to the strange new events unfolding in the master's house reveals a blend of professional duty and personal curiosity.

Summoned by the Young Rajah

The first direct encounter between Mr. Roach and Colin occurs when the invalid, who has never before seen the head gardener, sends for him. Rumors of the changes in Colin's apartments had filtered down to the servants' hall and out to the gardeners, but Mr. Roach is still startled by the summons. As he hurries to change his coat, he mutters to himself, "What's to do now? His Royal Highness that wasn't to be looked at calling up a man he's never set eyes on." He has heard exaggerated stories about the boy's uncanny looks, insane tempers, and the belief that he might die at any moment, including fanciful descriptions of a humped back and helpless limbs from people who had never seen him. Mrs. Medlock leads him up the back staircase, warning him that he might find himself in the middle of a menagerie, with Dickon Sowerby more at home than anyone else. When Mr. Roach hears Dickon's name, he smiles leniently, remarking, "He'd be at home in Buckingham Palace or at the bottom of a coal mine. He's just fine, is that lad."

The Audience and the Orders

Upon entering Colin's room, Mr. Roach is confronted by a scene of remarkable domesticity. A large crow perches on a carven chair and announces his entrance with a loud "Caw—Caw," nearly causing him to jump backward. The young Rajah is sitting in an armchair, a young lamb standing by him as Dickon kneels giving it milk from a bottle, a squirrel perched on Dickon's back nibbling a nut, and Mary Lennox sitting on a big footstool looking on. Colin turns and looks his servitor over, then delivers his orders: "I am going out in my chair this afternoon. If the fresh air agrees with me I may go out every day. When I go, none of the gardeners are to be anywhere near the Long Walk by the garden walls. No one is to be there." He instructs that everyone must keep away until he sends word that they may return to their work. Mr. Roach, much relieved to hear that the oaks in the park will remain and the orchards are safe, replies, "Very good, sir." Colin then asks Mary for the proper Indian dismissal, and upon hearing "You have my permission to go," he waves his hand and repeats the phrase to Roach. The crow adds a hoarse "Caw—Caw" as if in agreement.

A Good-Natured Reaction

Outside in the corridor, Mr. Roach's good-natured character fully emerges. He smiles until he almost laughs, remarking to Mrs. Medlock, "My word! he's got a fine lordly way with him, hasn't he? You'd think he was a whole Royal Family rolled into one—Prince Consort and all." When Mrs. Medlock complains that they have had to let Colin trample over everyone since he had feet, Mr. Roach suggests, "Perhaps he'll grow out of it, if he lives." His response shows a pragmatic, unflappable nature, accepting the strange new order with amusement rather than resentment. He is a man who can appreciate the boy's newfound authority and even see the potential for positive change, embodying the steady, grounded presence of the estate's working staff as the household undergoes its remarkable transformation.