The Baron's Bride

the long version

In the France of Louis IV, Francine has been scarred by smallpox, and is facing the future as a nun. However, a snowdrift and an accident prevent her arrival at the con-vent, and staying at an inn she meets the Baron Montaigu. There is a mystery in the Baron's past life, for his wife has died, apparently of poisoning. He persuades Francine to become his wife, with the object of ensuring his first wife's inherit-ance. Francine is led into deception after deception when she meets first her prede-cessor's uncle and then her lover. The suspense builds up as the reader's sympathy is roused first on one side, then on another.