Beschrijving

The narrative follows the exploits of Lady Susan, a beautiful and charming widow whose husband has recently died. Lady Susan is an excellent conversationalist who manipulates men into falling in love with her; they forget her socially unacceptable behavior and incorrigible flirtations after merely speaking with her. At the outset of the novella, Lady Susan has sold off her late husband’s family estate instead of giving it to his younger brother, Charles Vernon, as is custom. There are implications that she has done this to maintain her opulent lifestyle and to pay off some debts she has accrued. As a result, Susan must find other places to live. She takes great glee in her freedom resultant from her husband’s death, although she knows she must marry both herself and her daughter, Frederica, to continue her lifestyle.