In the short story The Manhood of Edward Robinson, Lady Noreen Elliot is a young high society woman, "perhaps the most talked of girl in England". She is well-known for her beauty and daring and is the leader of a group known as “the Bright Young People”.
Being very bored with life, she concocted various schemes to add spice to her life, and it was this that probably led her to being known for her daring. For a time she organised treasure hunts but these soon became dull. She then developed a kind of "burglary for fun" scheme. The entrance fee was 50 pounds. Lots would be drawn to determine who was to be the next to conduct a burglary. The burglary must be done within three days of lots being drawn and the stolen item must be worn in a public place for at least one hour for the prize money to be won. From her actions after the burglary, it would appear that the rule was always for the item to be returned, perhaps without the owner suspecting anything.
When the lot fell on Lady Noreen, she and her fiance Jimmy had to burgle a wealthy woman named Agnes Larella. The burglary went successfully but in the ensuing mix-up, Jimmy tripped and injured his ankle and their getaway plan was thus interrupted. Lady Noreen who had stolen a diamond necklace did the next best thing and stuffed the item into the pocket of the car with a note on where to pick her up. She did not know that she had placed the necklace into the wrong car. It was in such circumstances that she encountered Edward Robinson, leading him into an adventure which gives the title to the story.
Portrayals[]
In the episode The Manhood of Edward Robinson of The Agatha Christie Hour, a TV film adaptation of the story, the part of Lady Noreen Elliot is played by Cherie Lunghi.