The Nest of the Sparrowhawk by Baroness Orczy Juvenile Fiction, Action & Adventure

A DASTARDLY DECEPTION

Lady Sue was young, lovely, fresh -- and due to inherit a vast fortune when she came of age.

Sir Marmaduke was a Roundhead -- and supporter of Oliver Cromwell in the English Civil War. It is 1657. King Charles I's head is long gone and Cromwell rules as Protector. From his manor in Kent, Sir Marmaduke proclaims allegiance to the Puritanical way of the Protectorate.

But Sir Marmaduke's noble words hide wicked plans. For Sir Marmaduke is none other than the ward of Lady Sue. And he means to have the tender lady for his wife . . . and her fortune for his own.

How?

Why, by masquerading as the exiled Prince of Orleans, of course.

And by murdering or at least disgracing Lady Sue's other suitors, like handsome young Richard Lambert.