One Wonderful Night: A Romance of New York

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

19707

Title

One Wonderful Night: A Romance of New York

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A thrilling romance set against the backdrop of early 20th-century New York, this novel follows John Delancy Curtis, an American engineer who marries a fugitive bride to save her from a forced union. Blending mystery, high-society intrigue, and detective work, the story offers an absorbing tale of love, deception, and justice in the city that never sleeps.

Summary up to 500 words

In Louis Tracy's *One Wonderful Night: A Romance of New York*, American engineer John Delancy Curtis returns from China to find his life irrevocably altered upon his arrival in New York. Discovering a marriage license in the pocket of a murdered man, Curtis impulsively marries the license's namesake, Lady Hermione, a young Frenchwoman fleeing her father's oppressive control and a forced union with Count Ladislas Vassilan. Initially terrified by his sudden role as a husband, Curtis quickly learns that Hermione is a victim of coercion rather than a willing participant in a sham marriage. The narrative unfolds as a whirlwind of high-stakes drama involving New York's elite, police investigations, and international espionage. Curtis's uncle and aunt, along with wealthy friend Howard Devar, become entangled in the mystery, while dedicated detective Steingall unravels a complex web of conspiracies involving revolutionary plots and Austrian intrigue. The story balances the romantic tension between John and Hermione with the suspense of a criminal investigation. As the plot thickens, Curtis must navigate the social pressures of New York society while protecting Hermione from her father, Lord Valletort, and the Count. The investigation reveals that the murder was part of a larger scheme involving Hungarian revolutionary factions and Austrian intelligence, who sought to manipulate the marriage for political and financial gain. Through a series of dramatic events, including a frantic taxi ride and a banquet attended by the Chief of Police, the truth about the murder and the conspiracy comes to light. In a climactic resolution, justice is served as the villains are exposed and the conspirators are brought to account. With the threats neutralized and the marriage validated, Curtis and Hermione are free to build a happy life together. The novel captures the vibrant energy and glamour of early 20th-century New York, portraying a world where fortunes and lives hang in the balance, ultimately celebrating the triumph of love and integrity over corruption and coercion.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Romance
• Fiction