
A desperate final letter arrives from a fallen count, pleading with his brother‑in‑law to entrust his daughter, Christabel, with a dangerous mission: to clear a family name ruined by intrigue and false accusations. The missive hints at a secret patriotic movement, hidden allies, and a web of powerful dukes and colonels whose loyalties could shift like pieces on a chessboard. As the story opens, Christabel, a young woman of modest means, learns that the legacy she has inherited may be far more perilous—and far more exhilarating—than she ever imagined.
Drawn into a world of elegant salons, covert meetings, and daring escapades, Christabel must rely on her wits, courage, and an unexpected ally named Gareth. Along the way she encounters enigmatic figures such as the mysterious Madame D’Artelle and a charismatic duke whose favor could decide her fate. The narrative weaves humor, romance, and high‑stakes intrigue, promising a thrilling adventure that tests the limits of her cleverness and resolve.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (432K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2011-04-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1852–1923
A British journalist-turned-novelist, he built a lively career out of adventure, romance, and political intrigue. His stories often move fast, with mistaken identities, danger, and high-stakes plots that made him a popular writer of escapist fiction.
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