Austenprose – A Jane Austen Blog

‘What a Woman she must be!’  Reginald de Courcy (Letter 4) 

The fun of our on-line group read was the interaction of Austen readers around the world, coming together to discuss ideas on Lady Susan. Our Soiree was a pleasant party; an opportunity to read Jane’s little gem and discover Lady Susan resources. Hostess Laurel Ann contributed her musings; whilst fans a-flutter, participants contributed conjecture and opinion on the letters. 

I find history posts may enhance aspects of Georgian life relevant to an Austen novel. Posts on Portman’s Square & Upper Seymour Street established the London of Lady Susan for participants. Accessibly written posts on letter writing and the Georgian postal system were presented; most appropriate for a correspondence novella. 

One feature of on-line group read new for me was guest bloggers. Authors Jane Rubino and Caitlin Rubino-Bradway joined our Soiree to introduce their highly anticipated reconstruction of Lady Susan; ‘Lady Susan and her Daughter’. Laurel Ann graciously hosted the fun book-trailer on Austenprose. Many participants are interested to read this book. 

Soiree readers were also treated to a sample of the Lady Susan CD (Naxos), the letters translating well on audio. Different actors read letters of each character with period music; similar to a radio play. My impression formed Lady Susan is best enjoyed as an audiobook. 

Over two weeks, the Soiree gave careful study to the letters and, importantly, of quotes and phrases by each character. Consider the energy of Lady Susan’s language, ‘I shall always detest them both. I am equally confounded at her Impudence and His Creduality. How dared he believe what she told him in my disfavour!’ (leter 22)  By contrast, Mrs. Vernon, wary of Lady Susan’s famed eloquence, retains genteel expression; ‘She talks vastly well; I am afraid of being ungenerous, or should I say to well to feel deeply. (Letter 15). 

As the soiree progressed, I realized anew the amusement of the letters. Lady Susan’s remark Reginald will be ‘alittle enraged’ by her affair with Manwaring but ‘by tomorrow’s dinner everything will be well again’. An egoist so confident of her eloquence and control over men, or is she just putting on a brave face? In absence of a narrator; the letters provide fun for gossip. Some interesting ideas came up. I found my speculations ran wild on Alicia and Reginald; ‘I had almost forgot to give you my opinion of De Courcy, I am really delighted with him,…’ (Letter 38)  Yet, did Austen intend Lady Susan to be read that way?  During the Soiree, I began to comprehend the narrowness of letter-format technique in novel writing.  Letters may conceal true thoughts or motives of a character as well as reveal them.  Are Lady Susan’s final words in friendship or stinging retort?  Isn’t Lady Susan untypically satisfied by Reginald’s explanation? The epistolary style leaves many questions unanswered. 

Lady Susan is a comic satire on high society; marriage schemes for riches and feckless flirtations for controlling men; food for endless conjecture. We were rather sad to reach the end of Laurel Ann’s Lady Susan soiree. I enjoyed new insights on Lady Susan and Oh, such fun gossiping about the characters behind my fan with my fellow participants! 

I am intrigued at the idea Lady Susan was inspired by a real person, Mrs. Craven the tyrannical grandmother of Jane Austen’s neighbors the Lloyds. Martha and Mary Lloyd married into the Austen family. As James and Mary had a son, ‘Lady Susan’ may have living descendents in the Austen’s. 

Goodies, such as draws for Austen books and Lady Susan CDs was a highlight for participants; and a fun end to the Soiree. A final advantage to on-line discussion is the group read is archived on site to be read by everyone. 

A sincere thank you to our hostess Laurel Ann with champagne and roses for all the preparation and research for the Lady Susan Soiree beforehand.  Also, many thanks to Vic (Ms Place) for her entertaining history posts. Unlike Lady Susan I cannot be vain of my eloquence but ladies, please accept our appreciation, as we look forward to the next Soiree on Austenprose. 

Mandy N.