The Star-Chamber: An Historical Romance, Volume 2

A historical fiction novel written in the mid-19th century. The narrative centers around themes of betrayal, revenge, and politics in the context of the infamous Star Chamber, a court that represented an antagonistic force in society during the Stuart period. Key characters include Lady Lake, Sir Thomas Lake, and the ambitious Sir Jocelyn Mounchensey, whose fates intertwine in a tale laden with intrigue and treachery. At the start of this volume, we are introduced to the dire situation of Lady Roos, who is gravely ill due to suspected poisoning, alongside her mother, Lady Lake. The opening chapters depict the scheming around the forged confession that indicates Lady Lake's involvement in dark plots, as well as her increasingly desperate quest for vengeance against those who have wronged her and her family. The tension builds as they navigate a web of deceit involving characters such as the apothecary Luke Hatton, who harbors sinister intentions, and the machinations of courtly rivals like the Countess of Exeter and Lord Roos. This sets the stage for a complex interplay of love, loyalty, and greed, promising readers a gripping continuation of the drama established in the first volume.