The story in one page
Margaret Walsingham, a dedicated companion, watches over Ethel Brand at her Surrey estate until the old woman passes away. A complex struggle ensues over the inheritance involving an imposter claiming to be St. Udo Brand, the rightful heir. Margaret navigates a web of deceit, betrayal, and high-society manipulations. With the help of the Chevalier de Calembours, she unravels a plot designed to usurp the Brand fortune. The truth eventually surfaces, unmasking the villains and securing the future for the loyal and the noble, ending in a stable union for the heroine.
Who's who
- Margaret Walsingham
A loyal companion working to expose an identity-stealing conspiracy.
- Ethel Brand
The wealthy, eccentric mistress of the Seven-Oak Waaste estate.
- St. Udo Brand
The rightful heir to the Brand family fortune and estate.
- Chevalier de Calembours
A flamboyant French artist and former tailor who assists Margaret.
- Thoms
A traitorous soldier and conspirator attempting to defraud the family.
What it's really about
- Identity
- Fraudulent claims on titles and family legacies.
- Loyalty
- Devotion to duty despite personal hardship.
Why it's memorable
- A bloodhound tracking a deserter through the woods of Virginia.
- A flamboyant artist operating a successful, high-society London photo studio.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The villains are unmasked and the true heir recovers his place. Margaret and St. Udo Brand find enduring happiness together.
For your book club
- How does the impostor dynamic redefine the concept of social standing?
- Does the Chevalier act as a cynical foil to Margaret's earnestness?