Who is Dr. Beatrice Nest from Possession: A Romance and what is their importance?

Dr. Beatrice Nest is an Ellen Ash scholar. She has an office in the Ash factory. Beatrice has been editing Ellen's journal for publication for a very long time. She is a heavy, solid woman with a large bosom and wide hips. Beatrice has crimped white hair that is fixed in a roll with loose strands sticking out all over. Cropper thinks of Beatrice as the white sheep obstructing the way in Lewis Carroll's Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Blackadder thinks of her as a fat, white spider in her lair. Feminists see her as an octopus guarding her hoard. Beatrice is mostly misunderstood and helps Roland and Maud to find important clues along the way. She is present when they make the final discovery.