Lady J (Mademoiselle de Joncquières) 2019

Madame de La Pommeraye, a young and enchanting widow who proudly declares that she has never experienced love, finds herself yielding to the charms of the notorious libertine, Marquis des Arcis. He pursues her with fervent dedication for two long years. However, as time goes by, the Marquis begins to disregard Madame de La Pommeraye, prompting her to suggest that their affection has dwindled. Surprisingly, instead of denying this claim, he agrees without hesitation, which deeply wounds her pride and ignites a desire for revenge.

To execute her plan, she becomes aware of a misfortunate noblewoman, along with her illegitimate daughter, Mademoiselle de Joncquières, who manage to survive by entertaining gentlemen in a nightclub. Madame de La Pommeraye decides to invite them to live with her, instructing them to dress in somber black attire, reminiscent of devout Catholics, as they stroll in the park. During one of these walks, she introduces them to the Marquis, who is instantly captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of Mademoiselle de Joncquières.

Feigning ignorance of their whereabouts, Madame de La Pommeraye compels the Marquis to pursue the girl relentlessly, even enlisting detectives to track her down. Following her orders, Mademoiselle de Joncquières adamantly rejects all advances from the Marquis, demanding nothing short of marriage.

As their wedding festivities unfold, the Marquis makes the poignant declaration that he will not claim her virginity until she deems herself ready. The following morning, Madame de La Pommeraye arrives to take the newlyweds for a drive. However, she halts outside the very nightclub where Mademoiselle de Joncquières and her mother used to work, revealing this shocking truth to the Marquis. Overcome with rage and disgust, he abandons his bride and returns home, only to find her in despair after a failed attempt at suicide.

Upon her recovery, the Marquis regrets the marriage and tells her she is free to pursue her own happiness. In a moment of genuine honesty, she requests that he forget her troubled past and forgive the cruel scheme orchestrated by Madame de La Pommeraye. Touched by her sincerity, he softens, and they find reunion in love. Meanwhile, Madame de La Pommeraye’s friend dares not reveal to her the joyful reconciliation of the couple, leaving her blissfully unaware of the happy ending that has unfolded.