One Wonderful Night: A Romance of New York

by Louis Tracy

"One Wonderful Night: A Romance of New York" by Louis Tracy is a romantic novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline follows John Delancy Curtis, a man returning to New York City after years abroad, where he unexpectedly becomes embroiled in a murder, a marriage license, and ultimately a whirlwind romance with Lady Hermione. As Curtis navigates the thrilling and dangerous urban landscape, the plot centers on themes of love, fate, and the unexpected turns of life. The opening of the novel finds Curtis arriving in New York, excited to explore the city of his childhood, yet it quickly plunges him into chaos when he unwittingly witnesses a murder involving a man in possession of a marriage license intended for a bride named Hermione. Gaining possession of this document and despite the turmoil of the murder, Curtis feels compelled to deliver the tragic news to Hermione himself. His decision leads him to her apartment, where he learns that she had intended to marry Jean de Courtois, the deceased man. As they meet, it becomes clear that Hermione is desperate to escape an unwanted marriage arranged by her father, and in a bold move driven by circumstance, Curtis offers to marry her instead, setting the stage for both romance and adventure.