The Maid of Honour: A Tale of the Dark Days of France. Vol. 1 (of 3)

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of France during the tumultuous period of 1789, it explores the lives of the aristocracy at the court of Marie Antoinette amidst the rising tensions of revolution. Central to the narrative are characters such as Gabrielle, a maid of honour, and her enigmatic husband, Clovis, whose life is steeped in the mysticism of the time. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to a lavish yet hollow court life where the French nobility remains oblivious to the struggles of the common people, consumed by their own extravagant pursuits. The atmosphere is charged with the impending chaos of revolution, signaled by recent events like the storming of the Bastille. As we delve into the lives of Gabrielle and Clovis, we see the strains in their marriage, fueled by Clovis's obsession with mysticism and the growing discord between them. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal and social upheaval, hinting at both romantic entanglements and political intrigue.