'Maid of Maiden Lane' Summary

Cornelia Moran, the Maid of Maiden Lane, is a beautiful and virtuous young woman caught in the throes of a love triangle. She is pursued by George Hyde, a wealthy and well-connected Englishman, and Joris Van Heemskirk, a young Dutch immigrant. George represents the established order, while Joris embodies the ideals of the French Revolution. Their love for Cornelia is complicated by their fathers' rivalry and the prejudices of their respective communities. When a misunderstanding leads to a grave accusation against George, Cornelia is torn between her loyalty to him and her growing affection for Joris. Meanwhile, the political turmoil of the era – the debate over the French Revolution, the simmering tensions between English and Dutch immigrants, and the struggle for national identity – adds another layer of complexity to their lives. Just as Cornelia's heart and mind are at war, a mysterious figure enters the story, offering a path to reconciliation and revealing the true nature of sacrifice and love. The book's richly woven tapestry of romance, political intrigue, and societal prejudice culminates in a satisfying resolution that celebrates love's enduring power and the importance of understanding and forgiveness.