Susan Edmonstoune Ferrier Susan Edmonstoune Ferrier ( 1782 - 1854 ) , novelist , daughter of James Ferrier , one of the principal clerks of the Court of Session , in which office he was the colleague of Sir Walter Scott . Miss Ferrier wrote three excellent novels , Marriage ( 1818 ) , The Inheritance ( 1824 ) , and Destiny ( 1831 ) , all characterised by racy humour and acute character-painting . Her cheerful and tactful friendship helped to soothe the last days of Sir Walter Scott . External links Works by Susan Edmonstoune Ferrier at Project Gutenberg This article incorporates public domain text from : Cousin , John William ( 1910 ) . A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature . London , J.M. Dent & sons ; New York , E.P. Dutton . Categories : A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature | 1782 births | 1854 deaths | Women writers Susan+Edmonstone+Ferrier Susan Edmonstoune Ferrier 