|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Eileen Ronley is facing a pretty bleak set of choices. Her parents died in disgrace, having supported the wrong side in the struggle between King James II and William of Orange, and she remains in her family home on the charity of a former servant who now controls it. He wishes her to marry, but the suitors so far presented have been unappealing. How soon before his patience runs thin? Her other option is to appeal to her cousins and childhood playmates, Princess Anne and Queen Mary, for a position at court, but recent experience tells her that her reception there is likely to be cool at best. While she temporizes and hopes for something better to turn up, a strange visitor arrives at the estate. He is under some suspicion since he arrived asking for Eileen's father. He speaks French and Eileen is enlisted to translate and find out who he is and what he wants. Eileen is unaccountably drawn to this mysterious man, and he to her; she deduces he is not a Frenchman, but keeps this to herself. He is, in fact, Neil MacCurrie, a Highland chieftain, heading home after a visit to the exiled King James in France, and in great danger of being taken for a spy if discovered. He is imprisoned in Ronley Hall while advice is requested from higher ups. Eileen, at no little risk to herself, helps him escape. He kisses her and promises to return, but, she realizes, she has no reason to believe this promise. Her dilemma remains. This is not a mystery, but it is a well-paced story, lots of action, lots of romance, and lots of history, too. The turbulent times are well presented, and glimpses into court life are particularly fascinating. The lovers are separated, meet again, are separated again, there is much misunderstanding and plans going awry. The main characters are engaging and the plot developments exciting. A good summer read.
Reviewed by Diana Sandberg, June 2003
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
|
