READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. Eliza begins the novel with no money or power of her own, and then she is bequeathed a fortune that gives her an independence she’s never known before. How does this independence change her character?

2. At the beginning of the novel, Eliza’s heart belongs entirely to Somerset – the lost love of her youth – until she meets Lord Melville in Bath. Can you identify the moment she begins to develop feelings for Melville, too?

3. As a widow, Eliza must obey a strict set of rules regarding her clothing and behavior for a full eighteen months of mourning.  Today, in your culture, what expectations are placed on people in mourning?

4. Now rich and living independently in Bath, Eliza is able to follow her previously abandoned passion for painting. Why wasn’t she able to explore this dream before? How often do you think financial concerns stand in the way of people chasing their dreams?

5. Whether in person or by letter, the characters are all gossiping (or being gossiped about) constantly. How does gossip affect different characters’ behavior? Is gossip more dangerous for some than others?

6. Throughout the novel, Eliza flouts the strict rules and conventions of English society at this time, shocking many people. Were there times where you felt she crossed a line, or when you yourself were shocked by her behavior?

7. As an unmarried, childless woman, Margaret navigates the world in a very different way to Eliza. Margaret explains to her cousin, “Most commonly, spinsters are without standing, consequence, or importance to society.” Do you think women today still face judgments and restrictions based on their marital status or decision to have children?

8. A Lady’s Guide to Scandal explores the love triangle trope. What’s your favorite romantic trope? Who did you root for more, Somerset or Melville?

9. “[Eliza] turned to look at Margaret, her greatest friend in the whole world, and took a moment just to marvel at how very fortunate she was to have been born related to such a creature.” To what extent do you feel Eliza and Margaret’s friendship is the truest love story in the novel?