THE BRIDE

James Graham, first Marquis of Montross, was the hero of Margaret Irwin's novel, The Proud Servant. Now comes the sequel, in the romance of Montrose and the capricious, captivating Louise, daughter of Elizabeth of Bohemia. The story is told against the background of The Hague, during the days when Charles II was exiled there, and he and his court managed out existence on sparse funds of money and ample funds of courage. There Rupert of the Rhine laid plans for his ragged fleet. Here Montrose came to plead for recognition of unswerving loyalty and to expose the double-dealing of the dastardly Argyle. here he met -- and reluctantly -- loved the stormy Louise. And here their troth was pledged before Montrose returned to Scotland, to meet the fate of defeat, treachery and death. It is a gripping tale, historical fiction at its finest. And with this volume the cycle begun with Royal Flush closes. It stands alone, but should make plus sales for the other books.