So what, was the Madam suppose to be celibate all her life ? LOL
Considering this is ancient Europe, its obvious why she didn't remarry....she would have been called a slut and harassed if she did.
On top of her lover being someone outsider of her class, when class based discrimination is already clearly happen. [ergo everyone in the duke's family hate the female lead for being a fallen noble] Divorce or annulments for marriage where rare, and only the man could ask for them even if the husband is abusing his wife ...go to the middle east and some culture set woman on fire or have 'honor killing' for woman that outlive their husbands. . .On top of the fact that men are allowed to have concubines & mistress so this is just sexist...
Im not sure im a fan of her threating someone else in a fragile position to get power e.e