Traitor and True: A Romance

by John Bloundelle-Burton

"Traitor and True: A Romance" by John Bloundelle-Burton is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of 17th century France, the book explores themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue during the reign of Louis XIV. The story follows various characters, including Captain La Truaumont and Emérance, Marquise de Villiers-Bordéville, as they navigate a plot to remove the king, entwining their fates in a web of conspiracy and romance. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the Taverne Gabrielle in Paris, where two men, Boisfleury and Fleur de Mai, discuss their anticipated meeting with Captain La Truaumont. Their conversation reveals hints of a significant plot involving powerful figures and a lady named Emérance, who is deeply in love and burdened by her dangerous affiliations. As the men prepare for their clandestine rendezvous, the reader is drawn into a world where loyalty and betrayal intertwine, setting the stage for the unfolding drama that will reveal the complex relationships and high stakes of their mission.