Laid up in Lavender

"Laid Up in Lavender" by Stanley John Weyman is a story set in England, where the lives of politicians and their families are full of challenges. Lady Betty Stafford, a lively and restless woman, is married to Mr. Stafford, whose attention is consumed by his work in the government. The novel opens with Lady Betty confiding in her cousin, Sir Horace, about how bored she is with her husband and the world of politics, as she craves excitement. As the story gets going, Mr. Stafford deals with problems at work, especially after a contract is leaked, which brings up themes of wanting power, envy, and how personal lives can mix with politics. The story then brings Lady Betty's decisions into focus, setting the stage for a dramatic story about romance, making sacrifices, and moral problems.