The Adventures of Roderick Random

The Hunger Strike

Miss Williams’ hunger strike progressed for two days, with her resolve weakening and hunger becoming almost unbearable by the second day, leaving her at a critical low point.

Mrs. Coupler’s Arrival

At the height of her hunger strike, a former acquaintance of Miss Williams, Mrs. Coupler, was brought into Bridewell. Mrs. Coupler had previously run a coffee house in Drury Lane that catered to male clients with sex workers on staff, and had been committed to Bridewell for refusing to bribe a corrupt justice. She learned of Miss Williams’ situation, and shortly after, the captain who had robbed her was caught and confessed to the theft, clearing Miss Williams of all wrongdoing.

Released from Bridewell

The prison master informed Miss Williams that the captain had confessed to the theft, and she was ordered to be released immediately. The news instantly lifted her spirits, erasing all thoughts of suicide.

Life at the Coffee House

Grateful for her release, Mrs. Coupler offered Miss Williams a place in her coffee house: she would provide board, clothes, and accessories, in exchange for a weekly payment of 3 guineas and a cut of Miss Williams’ earnings from sex work, to be deducted from her first profits. With no other options, Miss Williams accepted, and went to live with Mrs. Coupler after she was bailed. She worked to overcome her previous reserved, haughty demeanor, used her good voice and education to entertain clients, and quickly became the most popular worker at the coffee house.

Mrs. Coupler’s Jealousy and Slander

Miss Williams’ rapid success and popularity with clients sparked jealousy in Mrs. Coupler, who could not stand being eclipsed. In retaliation, Mrs. Coupler spread rumors among clients that Miss Williams was “unsound” (suffering from a sexually transmitted infection). The rumors immediately ruined Miss Williams’ reputation, and all clients avoided her, leaving her with no income.