内容简介：
Sir John Oglander, reputed to be involved in King Charlesa escape attempts from Carisbrooke Castle on Isle of Wight, prior to the Kingas trial and execution in London in January 1649, wrote memoirs for his descendants, and was sometimes motivated to write in his own blood. Anne Jolliffe, rejected by her father, Walter, when her mother died giving birth to her, comes to live with him in Brading now that her uncle and aunt are both dead. She receives a stormy reception. Only Sir John Oglander is kind to her. Samuel Jarvis, her fatheras objectionable employer and landlord, wants herabut she is attracted to Paul Miller, who treats her with contempt. Sir Johnas and Paulas lives are increasingly endangered by their involvement in Royalist activities to help the king escape. News from the mainland concerning the actions of the kingas enemies makes them increasingly fearful for the kingas safety.