Mistress Spitfire

A vivid portrait of a restless middle‑aged scholar, the novel opens in the rain‑soaked summer of 1642 at East Hardwick Manor. Richard Coope, a solitary thinker whose life has been dominated by work and contemplation, finds his world shaken by the eccentric, outspoken Sir Nicholas and the lingering memory of a long‑lost love. Their banter, steeped in the language of the era, hints at deeper currents of longing and the promise of unexpected adventure.

Against the backdrop of the English Civil War, Richard’s routine is disrupted by clandestine meetings, secret missions, and the magnetic presence of his spirited cousin, Mistress Alison French. As political turmoil swirls outside the manor’s walls, personal passions begin to ignite, offering a tender glimpse of what might become a life‑changing first love. The narrative balances witty dialogue with the gritty realities of a nation in upheaval, inviting listeners into a world where history and heartache intertwine.