The regent's daughter

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27384

Title

The regent's daughter

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 18th-century France, this novel follows Helene, a noblewoman forced into a convent by her powerful father, the Regent. When her secret lover, Gaston, is accused of treason, she must choose between her safety and her love. Blending political intrigue with deep romance, the story explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of absolute monarchy.

Summary up to 500 words

Published as a sequel to *The Conspirators*, *The Regent's Daughter* chronicles the tragic intersection of political intrigue and forbidden love in 18th-century France. The narrative centers on Helene, the daughter of the powerful Regent, Philippe d'Orleans. Initially depicted as a worldly princess who renounces her father's lavish court to become an Abbess at Chelles, Helene is revealed to be living a double life. Disguised as a nun, she secretly pursues a passionate romance with Gaston de Chanlay, a man she believes is her father's friend and protector. However, the Regent soon discovers that Gaston is actually a conspirator plotting against the state, having been manipulated by the Regent's own minister, Dubois. Upon learning of the conspiracy, the Regent attempts to save Gaston, but the political machinery of the time proves relentless. Gaston is arrested and sentenced to death in Nantes alongside his fellow conspirators. Despite a last-minute royal pardon, Gaston arrives at the scaffold only to find his friends already executed. Overcome by the realization that his presence hastened their deaths, he takes his own life rather than accept the pardon. Helene, devastated by the loss of her lover and the betrayal of her father, is taken to Paris to live under the Regent's care. She survives a brief illness but remains devoted to Gaston's memory. The novel concludes with Helene returning to her convent, where she forgives the Regent for his role in the tragedy. She dies shortly thereafter, choosing to be buried beside Gaston's memory. The story serves as a poignant reflection on the high cost of power, the destructive nature of political conspiracies, and the enduring strength of personal love in the face of state oppression. Through the tragic fates of Helene and Gaston, the narrative explores themes of innocence corrupted by politics, the cruelty of justice, and the ultimate sacrifice required by those who serve the crown.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction