Madam A Novel

Old Mr Trevanion, the squire of Highcourt, is a combative man who enjoys tyrannizing over his wife Grace. Ill with heart disease, as his health deteriorates his behaviour does too; and even in front of others he makes vague threats of exposing some shameful secret from Grace's past. Grace has four children by Mr Trevanion, and an older stepdaughter Rosalind with whom she is very close.

Soon people become aware that Grace is leaving the house each evening for a short period, seemingly to meet a man. Her abusive husband jumps to the worst conclusion and sends for his lawyer.

This novel tells the story of Grace, Rosalind, and several other characters.