However, the "Relic" series provides the most information about Constance's backstory and her relationship with Pendergast. Throughout the series, we learn:
* Constance's parents were murdered: It's revealed that Constance's parents were murdered when she was young, and she was subsequently orphaned.
* Pendergast found her: The exact circumstances surrounding Pendergast finding Constance are not explicitly stated, but it's clear that he discovered her in a state of need.
* Pendergast took her in: Pendergast decided to take Constance in and became her guardian, likely due to his deep sense of justice and empathy.
"Relic" (1995), the first book in the series, mentions Constance's past briefly, but the focus remains on the main plot. It's throughout subsequent books that we gradually piece together the story of her childhood and her relationship with Pendergast.
"The Cabinet of Curiosities" (2021), the latest Pendergast novel, also touches on Constance's past, highlighting her resilience and intelligence, traits that have been shaped by her early experiences.
While there isn't one definitive novel that tells the entire story of how Constance came to be in Pendergast's care, the details are woven throughout the "Relic" series, offering glimpses into their past and the complex bond they share.