"The Lady's Not for Burning" revolves around the lives of the residents of Cool Clary, where a strange mix of romance, witchcraft accusations, and existential pondering takes center stage. Thomas Mendip, desperate to be put to death, finds himself entangled with the fate of a woman accused of dark magic. As events unfold, the townspeople's preoccupations reveal the interplay between love, societal norms, and the quest for meaning in life.

Thomas's Unusual Request

Seeking an end to his weary existence, Thomas Mendip asks to be executed, yet finds little interest in his plea. The townsfolk of Cool Clary are fixated on an alleged witch, Jennet Jourdemayne, accused of transforming the local rag and bone man, old Skipps, into a dog. Desperate for an audience with the mayor to confess a crime he claims to have committed, he is repeatedly ignored by Richard, the mayor’s clerk, who is preoccupied with the impending arrival of his cousin's fiancée, Alizon Eliot. The town has no time for hanging a seemingly deranged man.

Alizon's Unexpected Engagement

Alizon Eliot's father, anxious about finding suitable matches for his six daughters, placed her in a convent. Yet, after successfully marrying off the elder daughters, he reconsiders and arranges her betrothal to Humphrey Devize. However, Humphrey's brother, Nicholas, believes the stars have destined Alizon for him and attempts to murder his brother to claim her. Margaret Devize, their mother, feels overwhelmed by her sons' antics, particularly when Humphrey, muddied and bedraggled, fails to impress Alizon upon her arrival.

The Mayor's Reluctant Involvement

When Mayor Hebble Tyson encounters Thomas and his odd request for execution, he is irked by the disruption. Unwilling to entertain what he perceives as a jest at his authority, he considers having Thomas punished if he does not cease his demands. Thomas insists he is guilty of murder, admitting to killing both old Skipps and a worthless pander, fully aware that such confessions do not come without consequence.

Jennet Jourdemayne's Predicament

The arrival of Nicholas with news of the suspected witch disrupts Hebble's confrontation with Thomas. Jennet Jourdemayne, a young orphaned beauty with wealth at stake, faces accusations of witchcraft. Despite her dismissal of the charges as absurd, she seeks the mayor’s protection against the fervent mob outside. Hebble, sensing an opportunity, orders her arrest, while Thomas attempts to draw attention away from her by reiterating his alleged guilt. Unsuccessful, both Thomas and Jennet are confined to the cellar to await her execution.

Plans of Confession and Innocence

Faced with Jennet's stoic denial and Thomas's relentless admissions, Hebble devises a plan. He decides to eavesdrop on a private conversation between the two, hoping Jennet will confess to witchcraft and Thomas to innocence. During this time, Jennet shares her father's scientific dedication to dreams, vowing to adhere to facts alone, despite her impending fate. Hebble, overhearing, resolves to seize her property posthumously.

The Betrothal Celebration

Learning of Thomas's desire for death due to life's monotony, Hebble punishes him by forcing attendance at Humphrey and Alizon's engagement party. Thomas consents only if Jennet accompanies him. Clad in an old gown of Margaret's, Jennet attends the celebration, where Humphrey's interest in Alizon wanes and Nicholas's ambitions falter. Alizon, meanwhile, discovers her true affections lie with Richard, and they elope to be wed discreetly.

Love and Choices

Amidst the chaos, Thomas and Jennet discover mutual love, despite Thomas's initial reluctance. Jennet struggles with the notion of leaving her pragmatic existence for romance. She realizes Thomas's false confession was intended to shield her from prosecution. Although Humphrey offers freedom from witchcraft accusations in exchange for her company, Jennet refuses, valuing her love for Thomas too dearly to accept.

A Fortunate Resolution

When old Skipps is found alive, the case against Jennet collapses. Although Hebble still covets her estate, a sympathetic official allows Thomas and Jennet to escape the town under the cover of night. Thomas reluctantly embraces life once more, choosing to spend the coming decades with Jennet by his side, finding solace in their shared existence.