The Nest of the Sparrowhawk: A Romance of the XVIIth Century

was written by Baroness Orczy, author of The Scarlet Pimpernel, in 1909. Set in puritan Kent in 1657, the story focuses on the intrigues of Sir Marmaduke de Chevasse, "as stiff a Roundhead as ever upheld my Lord Protector and his Puritanic government", who is determined to secure the vast fortunes of his lovely ward, Lady Sue, for himself.

Sue presents a girlish figure; she is young, alert and vigorous. The charm of her own youth and freshness even means she looks dainty and graceful in clothes that disfigure her elders. She enjoys the adulation which her appearance guarantees, laughing and chattering with the women and teasing the men. She does of course have plenty of admirers, including young Richard Lambert who worships her with protective reverence.