Lady Susan, Chapter 2 summary
Chapter 2 of 41 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Lady Susan Vernon tells Mrs. Johnson that jealousy at Langford and Frederica’s refusal of Sir James Martin make her decide to leave. She plans to visit London, place her daughter with Miss Summers, and stay reluctantly at Churchhill, while asking her friend to preserve Mr. Johnson’s resentment toward Mrs. Mainwaring.
What happens
- Lady Susan describes three pleasant months at Langford but says the household’s women now oppose her.
- She admits encouraging Mainwaring’s attentions and drawing Sir James Martin away from Miss Mainwaring for Frederica’s benefit.
- Frederica rejects Sir James, who leaves, while Maria becomes angry and Mrs. Mainwaring grows jealous.
- Lady Susan asks Mrs. Johnson to maintain her husband’s resentment toward Mrs. Mainwaring and arranges a possible London meeting.
- She reluctantly chooses Churchhill as her refuge and plans to leave Frederica with Miss Summers despite the enormous fees.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Lady Susan defends her manipulation of Sir James as maternal duty. Her anger at Frederica’s refusal exposes the tension between that defense and her daughter’s wishes.
Quick check
Why does Lady Susan set aside the proposed marriage to Sir James?
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