『悲運の45年』のマンチェスター反乱者たちのあらすじ

The story in 7 parts

1. Key idea 1 · free to read

   A child is stolen from a moated hall

   The story begins on an autumn night in 1724 as midnight falls over an ancient Cheshire mansion ringed by a wide, deep moat. Its owner has died, leaving a young widow and an infant son who is heir to the estate. She never lets the child out of her sight. Each night the drawbridge is raised, because the estates would pass to her late husband's brother if the boy should die.

   Two figures approach the moat with a coracle, a light boat of wicker covered in leather. A candle glimmers in a window to guide them, which proves that someone inside is helping. The leader is a tall man in a long black cloak. He crosses the water, finds a side door open and puts on a mask before he climbs the back stairs.

   On the gallery he meets the nurse, Bertha. She has agreed to his plan, but now she begs him to swear that he will not harm the child. The masked man puts out the lamp and takes the child. Bertha seizes him at the door, and he stabs her with his sword. The household believes she died defending the boy. The mother loses her senses and does not live long.

   The question of where the child went hangs over every later meeting in the book.

2. 2

   Manchester is loyal to the Stuarts in words

   The second and third chapters paint the town as it stands twenty years later.

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3. 3

   A young man learns his guardian has secrets

   The young man the colonel mentions is Atherton Legh, and Dr. Byrom tells his story.

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4. 4

   A rescue and a bridge make Atherton a rebel

   The next morning Dr. Byrom learns that the magistrates mean to arrest Sir Richard for treason.

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5. 5

   Love and honour pull the recruits toward war

   Atherton walks into the garden of Mrs. Butler's old house in Salford and finds Constance alone in an arbor.

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6. 6

   A sergeant, a drummer and a lass take Manchester

   The next day, before the army arrives, three riders enter Salford in Highland dress.

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7. 7

   A quarrel over birth ends in a duel

   Constance tells Father Jerome that she loves Atherton.

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