Henry Esmond Author:William M. Thackeray The hero, Henry Esmond, believing himself to be the illegitimate son of Viscount Esmond, is involved in a political intrigue to restore the Stuart line to the English throne. At the same time, he falls in love with Rachel Esmond, the wife of his stepbrother, and also with her daughter Beatrix. His unfortunate involvement in royal plots lead him ... more »into a series of misadventures that nearly cost him his life. Not until he realizing the true witchery of Beatrix's charms does he solve either his personal or political dilemma. In Beatrix, Thackeray has created one of the most delightful coquettes in our literary heritage.« less