Summary
Roxanna is a woman whose pride is as sharp as her wit. After discovering her husband, British official John Clayton, in what appears to be a compromising embrace with another woman, she doesn't just demand a divorce; she erases his existence. Fleeing the stifling social expectations of England for the relative freedom of America, Roxanna reinvented herself as a grieving, glamorous widow. She finds refuge with her friend Betty, whose social circle is quickly captivated by the tragic mystery of Roxanna’s 'late' husband. Among them is Ned, a man whose interest in Roxanna threatens to spark a rivalry with the already smitten Betty. However, the facade of widowhood crumbles when John Clayton arrives on American soil. Rather than confessing his identity and risking a public scene, John leans into the absurdity, adopting the persona of the Duke of Morebay. He begins a surreal courtship of his own wife, competing with Ned and forcing Roxanna into a high-stakes game of social chicken where the first person to admit the truth loses everything.
Synopsis
Roxanna is married to British official John Clayton, but when she catches John in the apparent embrace of another woman, Roxanna leaves England and goes to visit her friend Betty in America. There she tells people that her 'beloved' husband is dead. Betty's friends take to Roxanna, especially Ned, for whom Betty has strong feelings. Further complications arrive in the presence of John Clayton, who has followed Roxanna and now pretends to be the Duke of Morebay and another potential suitor for 'widowed' Roxanna.
