The Fortunate Mistress (Parts 1 and 2) or a History of the Life of Mademoiselle de Beleau Known by the Name of the Lady Roxana

When a ten‑year‑old French girl flees to England with her impoverished parents, she discovers that survival in Restoration London demands both wit and daring. Growing up as Mademoiselle de Beleau, she quickly learns to navigate the bustling streets, the glittering courts, and the hidden dangers of a world still reeling from civil strife. Her early experiences set the stage for a remarkable transformation into the celebrated Lady Roxana, a figure known for her charm and cunning.

Roxana’s life unfolds through a series of striking encounters: a generous jeweller who opens the doors to high society, a charismatic prince whose favor brings both prestige and peril, and a shrewd Dutch merchant whose partnership tests her ambitions. Each relationship reveals a new facet of her character—her capacity for love, her relentless pursuit of security, and the moral compromises she is willing to make. The narrative captures the restless energy of a city thriving on intrigue, while offering a vivid portrait of a woman determined to master her own destiny.

Beyond the vivid settings and lively dialogues, the story presents a nuanced exploration of class, gender, and the price of opportunity in a rapidly changing world. Defoe’s early novelistic style brings the streets of London to life, making Roxana’s fortunes feel both extraordinary and unmistakably human. Listeners will be drawn into a tale where resilience meets ambition, and where every choice carries the weight of future hope.