But one cold, dreary, autumnal day, Lolly is struck by a great longing: Surely there is more to life than this? In an instant she resolves to leave London, her family, and her old life behind. Who wants to be a helpmeet when you can live alone, independently, in a tiny, remote village?
This resolution--and the panic it instills in Lolly's family--will lead to an even more surprising revelation: that Lolly Willowes would rather sell her soul to the Devil than become "dear old Aunt Lolly" ever again.