While visiting Rome with their daughters, two middle-aged women reminisce about their romantic rivalry for the dashing Delphin Slade. Although Mrs. Slade admits to falsifying the letter that led to her eventual marriage to Slade, Mrs. Ansley holds her own secret regarding the gentleman.

Written by esteemed American author Edith Wharton in 1934, “Roman Fever” was adapted into a play, as well as two operas.