About This Book
Set during Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate in 1657 England, this historical fiction novel follows young Lady Sue, who is due to inherit a vast fortune. Her guardian, Sir Marmaduke, a Roundhead, secretly plots to marry her and seize her wealth. His dastardly plan involves impersonating the exiled Prince of Orleans and eliminating any rival suitors. This middle-grade adventure is rich with intrigue, historical detail, and a clear battle between good and evil, making it suitable for readers aged 8-12 who enjoy suspenseful historical mysteries.
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. Historical fiction at its richest and most fascinating by the author of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How did Sir Marmaduke's actions show a lack of honesty and integrity?
2
What historical details did you learn about England during the Protectorate?
3
How do you think Lady Sue felt when she realized the deception?
4
What qualities did Richard Lambert show that made him a good suitor?
5
If you were Lady Sue, what would you have done to uncover the truth?
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