Furthermore, in Maria Oldershaw’s letter to Lydia she says “I have had twenty years’ experience among our charming sex in making up battered old faces and worn-out old figures to look like new – and I say positively you don’t look a day over thirty, if as much” (160). This transaction occurs after Oldershaw makes an attempt to convince Lydia to marry Allan Armadale for his money. She is suggesting that they make her look even younger and more beautiful in order to appeal to Armadale and gain his riches ($1,200 a year, for life). Thus, the first act of deceit based on Lydia’s beauty has occurred. This event sets the tone for Lydia as a character and lays the foundation of the foul deeds she will be a part of throughout the rest of the story.
