Witty adaptation of Jane Austen's novella from film-maker Whit Stillman. Kate Beckinsale stars as Lady Susan, a high-class widow whose waning finances threaten her status and lifestyle. Accompanied by her American confidante Mrs. Alicia Johnson (Chloë Sevigny), who is waiting for her elderly husband (Stephen Fry) to pass on, the sharp-tongued Lady Susan sets her sights on charming Reginald de Courcy (Xavier Samuel) in the hope of a marriage and financial security. Her plans are disrupted with the arrival of her daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark), upon whom Lady Susan thrusts the dull, but extremely wealthy, Sir James Martin (Tom Bennett).