GERAIT'S DAUGHTER

Set in English-ruled Ireland in the early reign of Henry VII, this is the tale of Margaret Fitzgerald, who weathers political, military, and amorous tribulations fueled by the shaky loyalties of her adored father: Gerait Fitzgerald, Lord Deputy to the Viceroy of Ireland. Margaret is one of those period heroines who marry rather a nice sort--whom they initially hate--and take an inordinate time to realize what a good chap the husband really is. The good chap here is Sir Piers Butler, but his cousin, Black James Butler, is a very bad chap--who insists on continuing an old feud against the Fitzgeralds. And it is only in order to protect her father--and to please King Henry--that Margaret eventually agrees to marry Sir hers. But Father Gerait is hardly out of the woods--what with Black James and his ugly cohorts telling lies (about Gerait's supposed treason) to Henry and leading armies which loot and burn. Eventually there's a raid on the Fitzgerald holdings; Gerait surrenders and goes to England's dreaded Tower; and his young son Gerry is sent to the Court as a page. Meanwhile Margaret and Piers are off and on. And finally, Margaret, after pleading with Henry for her father's fair trial (he's acquitted) and returning home for a stab at living apart from Piers, admits her love. A mite better than routine--and quite agreeable overall.