The story follows the experiences of a young woman named Annette Vallon and her encounters with a supernatural presence, a phantom lover. The narrative delves into themes of the supernatural, psychological intrigue, and the eerie presence that haunts the protagonist.Vernon Lee's work often focused on the eerie, the psychological, and the mysterious, exploring the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. "A Phantom Lover" reflects Lee's interest in the macabre and the paranormal, offering readers a blend of horror and psychological depth.