The Tyrant (Golden Chronicles, Book III)

The Tyrant (Golden Chronicles, Book III)

From Publishers Weekly With this third volume in The Golden Chronicles series, Veryan continues the adventures of Bonnie Prince Charlie's partisans. An unwilling conspirator, but loyal to old friends, wealthy bachelor Meredith Carruthers is caught up in Jacobite stratagems to intercept an important section of a crucial cipher. Part of the conspiracy involves Carruthers's feigned but public engagement to nubile Phoebe Ramsay, who is semibetrothed to another and eventually will be revealed as a double agent in pursuit of the legendary treasure that Charles Stuart is attempting to have smuggled to France. Fustian subplots include romantic liaisons, a staged duel and kidnapping, and other contrivances to secure the safety of Jacobite friends and relatives, before the predictable union of Meredith and Phoebe. Practice to Deceive and Journey to Enchantment are the predecessors in this Georgian romance series. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal This continues the story of the defeated Jacobites attempting to restore Prince Charles's treasure to its donors at risk of their lives, their estates, and the ruin of their families. Phoebe Ramsay and her brother Sinclair give aid to a wounded Jacobite messenger, aided by the high-handed Meredith Carruthers. Since, in lending his aid, Carruthers inadvertently compromises Phoebe's reputation, they fake an engagement, and he whisks her (and the disguised Jacobite) off to his estate. Enough plot complications for any three novels ensue, including attempted murder and blackmail, but at last the Jacobite cipher is delivered, the safety of the protagonists assured, and Meredith and Phoebe are united. Veryan is very good at this sort of thing. Recommended. Marylaine Block, St. Ambrose Coll. Lib., Davenport, Ia.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.