The Eustace Diamonds

Lizzie Greystock is a cunning fortune-hunter who marries the ailing Sir Florian Eustace, ultimately becoming a wealthy widow. Despite her intelligence and beauty, she is deeply flawed, particularly in her compulsive lying, which persists even without gain. As Sir Florian approaches death, he uncovers her deceitful nature but fails to alter his will, leaving Lizzie with her fortune. The story explores themes of ambition, deception, and the complexities of human character.