The Contract

The Contract is a novel by Margaret Cavendish that tells the story of Lady Lucretia, a wealthy and powerful woman who decides to take control of her own destiny by entering into a contract with a man named John, who agrees to become her servant and do whatever she asks of him. As they navigate their unusual relationship, Lucretia and John must confront the societal norms and expectations that threaten to tear them apart. Along the way, they also grapple with issues of power, gender, and freedom, as they attempt to forge a new kind of relationship that challenges the traditional roles of men and women. With its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes, The Contract is a captivating exploration of love, power, and agency in the 17th century.But the old Gentleman, perceiving his neglect towards his Neece, and hearing of his Affections to that Lady, strove by all the Care and Industry he could to give her such Breeding as might win his Love; not that he was negligent before she was contracted to him; for from the time of four years old, she was taught all that her Age was capable of, as to sing, and to dance; for he would have this Artificial Motion become as natural, and to grow in perfection, as she grew in years.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.