The Wolfe of Badenoch: A Historical Romance of the Fourteenth Century

by Thomas Dick Lauder

"The Wolfe of Badenoch: A Historical Romance of the Fourteenth Century" by Sir Thomas Dick-Lauder is a historical romance novel written in the early 19th century. Set during the late 14th century, it explores the themes of chivalry, courtly love, and the societal tensions of the time. The story seems to center around Sir Patrick Hepborne, a Scottish knight, as he navigates adventures upon returning from serving with the French army, hinting at a romance with the Lady Eleanore de Selby, daughter of the castle's lord. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Sir Patrick Hepborne and his comrade Sir John Assueton, who have just returned from the battlefield and are journeying home to Scotland. Along their way, they encounter a distressed lady searching for her lost falcon, leading to a brief yet charming interaction that reveals Hepborne's admiration for the lady. They eventually arrive at the village hostel, where they overhear conversations about the Lady Eleanore, suggesting potential romantic entanglements and conflict over her suitors, such as Sir Rafe Piersie. The opening establishes a rich medieval setting while setting the stage for the intertwining lives of the characters amidst the backdrop of Scottish history.