Experience a historical romance set in the chaotic days of the early French Republic in Ishmael: A Novel, the third volume in Mary Elizabeth Braddon's story of Sebastien Caradec. Braddon was a popular Victorian mystery writer who also wrote historical fiction and romance. This novel continues the story of Sebastien, who grew up a poor bricklayer in difficult circumstances, only to rise through French society to become a wealthy landowner. Along the way he changed his name to Ishmael to escape the clutches of a murderous couple and this is where the story begins. The novel opens in Paris at a star-studded gathering of princes and kings. Lady Constance Danetree has gathered with the other nobility to witness the signing of the treaty ending the war between Prussia and Russia. There is strife on the horizon for the French Republic, which is still being governed by Louis Napoleon. Constance's aim, however, is to catch a glimpse of her beloved Ishmael, a mysterious man she has secretly fallen in love with. But Ishmael's feelings are tougher to decipher, especially after he states emphatically that he will never marry. After he refers darkly to a mysterious past, Lady Constance is even more determined. Despite their difference in social class, she loves and admires Ishmael. Lady Constance doggedly pursues Ishmael and he struggles with his feelings. He loves her, but can he trust Lady Constance with the secrets of his past? Will his former life catch up with him just at the time when he finally decides to be with Constance? Can Ishmael embrace his place in French society? To find out if the couple can live happily ever after, you must read the novel. The story will transport you to 19th Century France. There are many twists and turns as the truth about Ishmael is revealed. Ishmael is a dynamic gentleman you will root for and Ishmael: A Novel will leave you wanting more. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.