“Good Lady Ducayne” by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Here’s one that really hurt…we really loved this story by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835-1915), a popular British novelist who wrote more than 80 novels and a number of supernatural short pieces. “Good Lady Ducayne” is one of the most unique vampire stories of the Victorian era, and is also a beautifully-observed look at the place that both impoverished young women and wealthy older matrons occupied in the socioeconomic strata of the time.

In the final decision-making, though, the story’s length was our chief concern. Given its originality and superb craftsmanship, we hated to lose it, but are pleased to be able to share it here. Enjoy!

Braddon