Dedicated Villain

February 27, 1989
In this sixth and final volume of The Golden Chronicles series, Roland Fairleigh Mathieson, sometimes called Otton, the wily adventurer familiar to readers of the earlier books, undergoes a gratifying change, once his heart is captured by mischievous Miss Fiona Bradford. A political opportunist and reputed rake, Mathieson is searching for treasure reportedly stashed among disguised followers of the Jacobin cause. This is his reason for infiltrating the caravan of traveling players, where he meets would-be actress Fiona. As their affection flourishes, Mathieson becomes the protector of the little band. There is much for him to do, as he skillfully leads them around ambushes, narrowly escaping death himself. With customary panache, Veryan animates the background of Georgian England, creates a hero in the grand manner and spins a satisfying romance redolent of the period.