The Fortunate Mistress

The Fortunate Mistress also known as A History of the Life of Mademoiselle de Beleau is a novel by Daniel Defoe. It tells the story of Roxana a French-born woman who grows up in England and marries a handsome but vain man at the age of fifteen. After eight years of marriage during which time her husband spends all of their money Roxana is left penniless with five children. Roxana appeals for aid to her husbands relatives but they all refuse except for one old aunt who is unable to provide much assistance. Roxanas loyal maid Amy refuses to abandon her mistress even though she receives no pay for her work. Another poor woman whom Roxana had helped in the past also offers her assistance. Amy eventually comes up with a plan to force Roxanas sister-in-law to take in the children which succeeds. Although the sister-in-law is cruel her husband is kind and helps to raise the children. How will Roxanas children get a happy life? What will happen to Roxana? The novel explores themes of poverty family and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world.