Black Moth

This is the first novel written by Georgette Heyer, she was only 15 when she wrote the story, to amuse her brother who was ill. A few years later she had it published. It is an adventure story with a lot of romance, and set in the 18th century, unlike most of her later works which are set in the Regency. Her hero is Jack Carstares, the son of an earl who was accused of cheating in a game of cards and left home to live abroad in disgrace. After a few years living as a gambler or teaching fencing, he got lonley for home and returned to England where he turned highwayman. His father has died but he refuses to claim his title or estates, unless he could clear his name...but he cannot do that because his brother Richard was the one who cheated. Richard is now running the family estate and living with his spoiled wife Lavinia. He is racked with guilt but Lavinia will not let him tell the truth. Jack rescues a young woman who is being abducted by the rakish and selfish Duke of Andover, who is the brother of Richards wife. He duels with Andover, and wins, and saves the young woman, but is himself injured. He is nursed by the girl, Diana Beauleigh and her spinster aunt, who live in a small manor house with Diana's father. Jack and Diana fall in love but he knows he cannot tell her of his feelings. He lives in the house till he is better but then goes to see his friend, Sir Miles OHara, a local magistrate whom he had accidentally encountered just before he found Diana.