Arnold's Tempter

In the bustling world of pre‑Revolutionary Philadelphia, a glittering dinner at the FitzMaurice mansion becomes a crossroads of ambition, politics, and society. Roderick Barclugh, a shrewd merchant eager to cement his standing, finds himself amid a glittering guest list that includes judges, generals, and the fashionable daughters of the city’s elite. The lavish setting, with its polished manners and opulent décor, hints at deeper currents as old‑world aristocracy clashes with emerging democratic ideas.

Among the guests, the striking General Benedict Arnold arrives with his elegant, blushing bride Peggy, while spirited young women such as the witty Miss Greydon add a lively spark to the gathering. As conversations flow over wine and polished banter, hidden motives begin to surface, and Barcloup’s own aspirations are tested against the swirling tides of loyalty, intrigue, and the looming conflict that will reshape a nation.