The Baronet’s Tale: Anthony by Julia Brannan is a prequel to the Jacobite Chronicles, but takes place after The Highlander’s Tale which recounts Alex MacGregor’s childhood in the Highlands. The Baronet’s Tale picks up in 1734 with Alex embarking for university in Paris at his father’s insistence. Alex takes on this burden, painful as it is to know he will be away from Scotland and his clan for three or more years. Yet he attends university with the intent to become educated enough to argue for the revocation of his clan’s proscription by the Elector, King George.
Not only does Alex hone is gift of memorization and languages at university, but he also makes fast friends in Ashelle, a free black woman who is a cook at an inn, Jeanne, a prostitue who speaks truth, and Highbury, and Jacobite-sympathizer English lord who is traveling the continent. Highbury takes Alex under his wing as a sort of benefactor not only for him, but also for Ashelle and her mother. Highbury is intent on spending his fortune for good, rather than have it pass to his gambling addict son.
Having read the Jacobite Chronicles, it was interesting to see Alex discover his talent for acting and mimicry in doing plays at school, as well as impressions at the tavern in exchange for coin. Alex observes people of all socioeconomic classes to hone is impressions, some of which are the clear kernels of what will grow into his “Lord Anthony”spy persona in the Jacobite Chronicles. Much seems to work in Alex’s favor in Paris, and his natural leadership and charisma makes him a magnet for those around him. More often than not, Alex is often without flaw which at times can get a little unrealistic, but he is still a fun character to read nonetheless. The first half of the novel was fast-paced and engaging as Alex navigates his new life in Paris, but I felt the middle-near end dragged a bit pacing-wise. Nevertheless, Julia Brannan’s storytelling in the Jacobite series is always a treat.
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