Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord Summary, Characters and Themes
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a historical mystery novel by Celeste Connally that follows Lady Petra Forsyth, a sharp-witted and independent aristocrat in Regency-era England.
After the death of her fiancé, Petra rejects marriage and embraces life as a spinster on her own terms. But her autonomy is tested when she stumbles upon a strange case involving the supposed death of a close friend.
Armed with determination and intellect, Petra navigates high society, scandal, and danger in pursuit of truth. This is a tale of mystery, resilience, and a woman who refuses to be silenced in a man’s world.
Summary
Lady Petra Forsyth is the daughter of the Earl of Holbrook, a titled and wealthy young woman who has consciously chosen to remain unmarried after the sudden death of her fiancé, Lord Ingersoll.
This personal loss has led her to value her independence fiercely, and she enjoys unusual freedom for a woman of her time, including control over her own fortune.
She dresses in riding breeches, goes out unchaperoned, and refuses to conform to the expectations of her conservative uncle, Lord Tobias, who insists on trying to marry her off.
Petra’s strong friendships anchor her emotionally—particularly with her loyal maid Annie and her spirited society friend Lady Caroline.
When she receives an invitation to a London ball hosted by the Duchess of Hillmorton, she takes it as an opportunity to avoid her uncle’s interference.
At the ball, she crosses paths with Duncan Shawcross, a childhood friend with whom she shares a complicated past.
Their reunion is tense, filled with unresolved feelings and biting exchanges.
At the same event, Petra receives troubling news from Martin, a footman formerly employed by her friend Lady Gwen Milford.
Gwen had supposedly died from a mysterious illness, but Martin insists he saw her alive in London just days ago.
Petra becomes suspicious and begins a discreet investigation, enlisting a young maid named Tansy to help her gather information.
She uncovers inconsistencies in the timeline and circumstances of Gwen’s “death,” including servants being dismissed and a sudden change in Gwen’s demeanor before her supposed passing.
Petra’s inquiry leads her to suspect Lord Milford, Gwen’s husband, who had motive and opportunity to silence his wife.
Rumors begin to swirl around Petra, and she is once again publicly insulted by Josiah Bellingham, a spurned suitor.
Duncan steps in to defend her, despite their fraught history.
Continuing to dig, Petra tracks down a shop owner who inadvertently reveals a new address Gwen may have used.
She also discovers that Gwen’s physician has conveniently disappeared.
Petra suspects a cover-up and breaks into a carriage house with Tansy, where she finds Gwen’s belongings and letters expressing fear about her husband.
Petra then finds proof that Gwen’s death was never officially recorded and that her signature on funeral records was forged.
She shares her findings with Duncan, who reluctantly agrees to help.
They eventually infiltrate a private asylum, believing Gwen might be held there.
Though they don’t find her, they recover one of her personal items—evidence she was there.
Lord Milford’s shady dealings come further into focus when Petra learns he has been selling Gwen’s lands for personal gain.
A confrontation with one of Milford’s allies turns violent, but Petra escapes with Duncan’s help.
The mystery reaches its climax at a high-society event where Petra orchestrates a public accusation.
Duncan finds Gwen alive at a secluded estate where she was being held against her will, drugged and disoriented.
With Gwen rescued and her testimony secured, Lord Milford is arrested.
In the end, Petra’s efforts are acknowledged, but she chooses not to marry.
Her relationship with Duncan softens, though they remain unspoken partners more than romantic ones.
Petra returns to her independent life, reaffirmed in her belief that women can be powerful, intelligent, and self-reliant.
Sometimes, it takes thinking like a lord to survive as a lady.
Characters
Lady Petra Forsyth
Lady Petra is a refreshingly unconventional protagonist in the Regency-era mystery. As the daughter of the Earl of Holbrook, she is born into privilege, but her life has been marked by loss, most notably the death of her fiancé, Lord Ingersoll.
Rather than being broken by grief, Petra redefines herself by embracing independence and rejecting the expectations of marriage, proudly calling herself a spinster. Her character is courageous, intelligent, and emotionally resilient.
She is a sharp observer of society, which makes her a formidable amateur detective. Petra’s evolution from a grieving noblewoman to a fiercely proactive investigator forms the spine of the novel.
Her relationships—particularly with Duncan Shawcross, Annie, and Lady Caroline—reveal different facets of her personality: warmth, loyalty, vulnerability, and a steadfast sense of justice. Petra’s moral compass is unshakable, and she repeatedly risks her reputation and safety to uncover the truth behind Gwen Milford’s disappearance.
By the end, Petra remains unmarried, not due to bitterness, but as a declaration of her autonomy and mission.
Duncan Shawcross
Duncan, the illegitimate son of a Scottish nobleman, shares a long and tumultuous history with Petra. Their friendship, once intimate and formative, was fractured after the tragedy involving Lord Ingersoll, but their emotional connection never fully dissolves.
Duncan is portrayed as intelligent, emotionally layered, and at times stubbornly skeptical. He provides a counterbalance to Petra’s headstrong impulses with cautious pragmatism, though his protective nature and deep affection for her are unmistakable.
Over the course of the story, Duncan undergoes subtle transformation—from a detached observer to an engaged ally in Petra’s investigation. His willingness to aid her in infiltrating an asylum and confronting dangerous aristocrats underscores his moral courage.
Duncan’s dynamic with Petra is emotionally charged, laced with wit and unresolved tension, hinting at a romantic undercurrent that remains tantalizingly unresolved by the end of the novel.
Lady Gwen Milford
Lady Gwen Milford is more of a mystery than a presence for much of the book, but her character becomes increasingly vivid through the accounts of others and her discovered writings. Once thought dead, Gwen is revealed to be a victim of domestic manipulation and forced confinement, orchestrated by her own husband for financial and reputational gain.
Gwen’s personal letters and belongings reveal a woman of sharp perception, growing courage, and increasing distress prior to her disappearance. Her suspicions about Lord Milford’s unethical dealings and her attempts to protect herself mark her as a quiet but determined figure.
Her eventual rescue and the confirmation of her sanity shatter the assumptions placed on women who were too easily dismissed as “nervous” or “unstable.” Her story serves as a powerful indictment of how women’s voices were silenced in that era.
Lord Milford
As the primary antagonist, Lord Milford embodies the worst of patriarchal entitlement and moral corruption. His calculated manipulation of Gwen’s perceived death, institutionalization, and the liquidation of her property paint him as both cunning and cold-hearted.
His social veneer and connections allow him to evade suspicion for much of the story. But his eventual exposure reveals a man driven by greed and a desire to control rather than support his wife.
Milford’s character plays a crucial role in highlighting the systemic vulnerabilities that women of that era faced—even those of noble rank. His downfall is satisfying, not only for its justice but for the broader implications it has on the society that once enabled him.
Lady Caroline
Lady Caroline provides essential comic relief and social commentary throughout the narrative. As Petra’s vivacious and fiercely loyal friend, she champions Petra’s decision to remain single and actively assists in her investigations through gossip, observation, and strategic introductions.
Caroline’s character is a vibrant portrait of a woman navigating the same restrictive social world as Petra, but with her own flair. She is observant, resourceful, and fiercely protective of her friend’s reputation.
While not involved directly in the more dangerous aspects of Petra’s investigation, Caroline’s insights and societal savvy prove instrumental to the unraveling of the mystery.
Annie (Petra’s Maid)
Annie, though a servant, is perhaps one of Petra’s closest confidantes. She represents the world of intimacy and trust behind the doors of aristocratic life.
Loyal, clever, and compassionate, Annie supports Petra not just with her duties but with emotional insight and quiet strength. Her position in the household allows her to move through spaces unnoticed, giving her access to important information.
Annie is a reminder that loyalty and friendship often transcend class. Her unwavering support for Petra reflects the strong bonds between women in a world that too often marginalizes them.
Josiah Bellingham
Josiah Bellingham is a minor yet provocative antagonist. A former suitor of Petra’s, he reappears in the narrative to sling insinuations about Petra’s sexuality and mental stability, attempting to tarnish her reputation.
His character represents the cruel and cowardly side of the ton—men who exploit gossip and propriety for personal gain. His confrontation with Petra and Duncan reveals both his pettiness and his role in supporting Lord Milford’s schemes.
Josiah is a foil to more virtuous male characters. His presence emphasizes the dangers that women like Petra face in the court of public opinion.
Tansy (Young Maid)
Tansy plays a small but critical role in Petra’s investigation. Recruited for her discretion and speed, Tansy is eager to help and shows initiative well beyond her station.
She is instrumental in passing messages and assisting with covert errands. Her character adds to the theme of sisterhood and inter-class cooperation.
Though young and relatively inexperienced, Tansy shows bravery and a strong sense of justice. She reflects the broader potential of women when trusted and empowered.
Themes
Female Autonomy and Resistance to Patriarchal Expectations
At the heart of the novel lies a compelling exploration of female autonomy, primarily embodied through Lady Petra Forsyth’s refusal to conform to traditional gender roles. Petra’s decision to remain unmarried, despite societal pressures and the wealth of suitors vying for her hand, is a declaration of self-governance in an era when a woman’s identity and worth were closely tied to her husband.
Her choice is not portrayed as a romantic idealization but as a practical and defiant assertion of control over her life and resources. Petra’s inheritance allows her a rare position of financial and social independence.
She uses that privilege not to ascend in social ranking through marriage but to shield herself from the system’s suffocating expectations. Her masculine attire, bold behavior, and refusal to placate male egos are all extensions of this resistance.
The novel contrasts Petra’s autonomy with the dangers faced by women like Gwen Milford, who are silenced and confined under the guise of male guardianship. In doing so, the story underlines the systemic stripping of female agency and the importance of solidarity and vigilance in protecting that agency.
The theme reinforces that autonomy is not just about refusing marriage but about making choices that honor one’s intellect, safety, and purpose in a society that seeks to dictate otherwise.
The Weaponization of Madness Against Women
A deeply disturbing but critical theme in the novel is how accusations of madness are weaponized to control, discredit, and isolate women. Gwen Milford’s supposed death, later revealed to be a forced disappearance and imprisonment under false claims of illness, highlights the historical misuse of medical authority and legal loopholes to remove inconvenient women from public life.
This thematic thread calls attention to the way emotional expression, fear, or noncompliance can be pathologized—especially when it threatens male power or financial interests. Lord Milford’s manipulation of Gwen’s alleged “nervous fits” becomes a sinister strategy to gain access to her dowry lands and silence her protests.
The novel depicts how institutions like private asylums become complicit, either by turning a blind eye or through outright corruption. Petra’s determination to expose the truth and recover Gwen’s freedom is not only a rescue mission but also a rebuttal to the notion that women’s minds are fragile and untrustworthy.
The story critiques the patriarchal frameworks that allow such narratives to persist. It offers a sobering reflection on how madness, when defined and enforced by men, becomes a powerful tool of erasure.
Petra’s sharp mind and resourcefulness stand as a counterpoint to this narrative. The novel shows that mental strength lies not in docility but in challenging those who misuse authority.
Friendship, Loyalty, and Female Solidarity
Throughout the narrative, the bonds between women serve as a source of strength, resistance, and healing. Petra’s relationships with Annie, her lady’s maid; Lady Caroline, her vivacious friend; and ultimately with Gwen, the woman she rescues, represent layers of loyalty that transcend class boundaries and social expectations.
Annie’s loyalty is both emotional and logistical—she helps Petra not only with daily needs but also with covert plans, never once betraying her confidence. Lady Caroline offers emotional reinforcement, never chastising Petra for her independence or scandalous choices.
These female friendships operate as counterbalances to the manipulations and betrayals by male characters. The mutual trust and shared vulnerability among women create a parallel world within the story, one in which intelligence, compassion, and bravery are valued over decorum and obedience.
The theme emphasizes that solidarity is not just emotional support but also practical aid—such as Tansy’s willingness to serve as Petra’s covert messenger, or Petra’s dangerous efforts to rescue Gwen. These relationships reflect a collective resistance against the silencing forces of society.
In a world that attempts to pit women against each other for status, security, or favor, the novel argues for the power of female alliance as a revolutionary act.
Justice and Moral Courage in the Face of Social Risk
The pursuit of justice is a guiding principle for Petra, even when it places her in considerable danger. Her decision to investigate Gwen’s disappearance is not born of curiosity alone but from a deeply rooted belief that wrongdoing—especially when it endangers the vulnerable—must be challenged.
Petra understands that society will not reward her for this endeavor. In fact, it actively discourages her from questioning noblemen or disrupting the social order.
Yet, she persists, accepting the personal cost of social humiliation, physical danger, and emotional exhaustion. Her confrontation with Lord Milford is especially risky because she defies not only an individual man but also the systems that protect him.
This theme examines how justice, in a rigidly hierarchical society, is often elusive unless individuals are willing to challenge the status quo. The narrative reinforces that true moral courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in spite of it.
Petra’s bravery becomes a form of activism—not idealized but portrayed with realism, showing the toll it takes and the strength it requires. The justice she seeks is not only legal, as seen in Lord Milford’s arrest, but moral: restoring Gwen’s dignity and giving voice to women silenced by power and wealth.
The Complexity of Love, Grief, and Reconnection
Romantic themes in the novel are interwoven with Petra’s emotional growth, particularly in her evolving relationship with Duncan. Their history is shaped by shared trauma—the death of Petra’s fiancé—and by lingering resentment and misunderstanding.
The novel doesn’t present their interactions as a simple “will-they-won’t-they” arc. Instead, it explores the painful process of rebuilding trust after grief and betrayal.
Duncan’s initial skepticism of Petra’s investigation and his protectiveness are presented with nuance, showing his own struggle between admiration and concern. Their relationship matures not through grand declarations but through small acts of support and vulnerability.
Petra’s grief over her fiancé is never trivialized. It informs her reluctance to trust or engage romantically again.
Her eventual openness to Duncan, even without a definitive romantic conclusion, reflects emotional progress rather than narrative closure. The theme suggests that love—when not bound by social expectations—can exist as mutual respect, shared purpose, and emotional understanding.
It also underscores that healing is not linear. Reconnection often demands as much bravery as justice-seeking.
By choosing not to end with marriage, the novel resists conventional resolutions. It emphasizes instead the enduring value of emotional honesty and mutual growth.