At last, here’s the final version of the cover for the fourth book in the Hussar’s Love series, Captain Richemonte.
Yes, this fourth installment, a translation based on Karl May’s original work, has everything to rivet your attention: intrigue, suspense, romance. The title character, Captain Richemonte, our antagonist, promises to deliver. And more. The reader gets to experience the diabolical nature of a ruthless opportunist, one not to shy away from accomplishing his goals, delivering mayhem at every turn,
Check out a snippet from chapter six: Rallion Demands Certainty
Despite Captain Richemonte’s best efforts, his granddaughter, Baroness Marion, refuses to accept his choice of a betrothed, Count Rallion’s own son. But the captain is not about to take no for an answer—especially from a woman. He is determined to tame her obstinacy, and if necessary, play his trump card… incarcerating her in a dungeon.
“Pah! It’s important that you comply with my instructions without fail,” Albin said. “I have something important to discuss with you.”
“Then allow me to take a seat,” Marion said and made a motion to head for one of the divans; but he restrained her through a dismissive hand gesture.
“That won’t be necessary,” Albin said curtly. “What I intend to discuss with you is important but shouldn’t take long. Since I surmise that you will comply, I expect the conversation to be a short one.” The captain smoothed the few remaining hairs on his bald head and turned his attention to the baroness.
“Madame,” he started, addressing the baroness, “I expect you know the reason why I have summoned Marion home?”
“Indeed, Captain.” A smile crossed Adeline’s lips, but not one out of happiness for her stepdaughter. She of course knew the purpose of the captain’s hasty summons. Adeline hated Marion, hated her with all her soul and therefore looked forward to being rid of her, all the while knowing that she would soon belong to a man whom she neither loved nor respected.
“And why Count Rallion along with his son are sequestered here at Ortry?” Albin continued.
“Yes, Captain.”
“I take it that this arrangement is in accordance with your wishes?”
“Completely. I am very satisfied. Colonel Rallion is assured of a promising future and is himself a most engaging person.”
“Did you hear that, Marion? My letter instructing you to return and with the presence of Count Rallion and his son, you must have drawn the obvious conclusion the count and I have resolved to see the two of you betrothed. Therefore, I am convinced that you will give the count a favorable reply when he visits you and ascertains if he can, from this day forth, consider you as his son’s fiancée?”
Marion’s pale yet serious-looking countenance hadn’t altered in the least. She still stood near the door, having relinquished her desire to take a seat. She didn’t even glance at her stepmother, but instead gazed intently into the old man’s eyes.
“You mean that I should marry Colonel Rallion,” she clarified, her voice sounding firm and clear.
“Of course,” Albin confirmed.
“What grounds do you have for making this assertion?”
“What grounds? I have plenty of reasons, ones that I’m not going to reveal to you; in fact, they don’t concern you.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “But who I am and what I represent, that does concern you, right?”
“Yes, naturally.”
“And you feel that you have the right to qualify or influence my decisions?”
“Certainly.”
“Well, in that case, I won’t draw out this meeting needlessly and will advise you that I myself have two concerns.”
The captain looked steadily at his granddaughter. “Well, what could they entail?” he asked, his voice sounding patronizing.
“They are two-fold,” she continued. “Apparently something you’ve overlooked: namely my own will and my inherent right as a human being.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Albin replied indignantly, his mustached lip curving upward.
“I thought it would be plain enough. I reject your offer of a betrothed and I will never marry Colonel Rallion.”
“Really? That is amusing,” he laughed derisively. “Just how do you propose to accomplish that, Marion?”
“Moreover, you should ask yourself how you plan to turn me over to a man whom I despise.”
“It’s quite simple,” the captain said shrugging his shoulders. “I’m going to insist.”
“I don’t understand you at all,” Marion countered. “I am not a child. The law affords me certain inherent rights and protection. If I choose to marry anyone, then the decision will certainly be up to me alone. I give you neither leave nor discretion in exercising your authority over me.”
That was too much for the old man. “You dare to say that to me, your own grandfather,” he thundered.
“Yes, you,” she replied coolly.
“You can’t begin to imagine the means I have at my disposal to force you into submission,” he threatened.
“I doubt they will work.”
“Your stubbornness will ruin you.”
“I will find a way to bear it.”
“And that includes your family too.”
Marion proudly shook her head, reminiscent of a queen’s displeasure. She responded with a condescending laugh. “Would you please dispense with your theatrical outbursts. On stage, or within the pages of a good novel, there you may see a daughter, who for her family’s sake, accedes to the act of offering herself to a man whom she doesn’t love. But we’re not in a play, you’re not the director and I have no desire to make myself the sacrificial lamb.”
“Impertinent girl!” he objected. “Don’t you realize that I have the authority to send you packing?”
“Well, go ahead!” Marion challenged. “Then I’ll be free of you at last. That’s what I desire above all.”
“Really!” Albin replied irritated. “You desire to be free? Well, I’ll find a way to tame you. I’m going to confine you until you recant.”
“You wouldn’t dare! The law will punish you for overstepping your bounds.”
“What business do I have with the law? Here,” he motioned around the room, implying the vast estate, “it is my will that counts, nothing else. Trust me, I will find a way to break yours.”