Sir Padraic Rafferty returns from the Battle of Culloden to his native Ireland with a burning desire for justice. To counter the British oppression of his homeland, he becomes the masked Rebel, a daring hero who on his mighty black stead rides the countryside by night stealing from the hated English landlords and distributing the wealth among his impoverished countrymen, a feat made all the more difficult by a tiresome and painful leg wound... moreSir Padraic Rafferty returns from the Battle of Culloden to his native Ireland with a burning desire for justice. To counter the British oppression of his homeland, he becomes the masked Rebel, a daring hero who on his mighty black stead rides the countryside by night stealing from the hated English landlords and distributing the wealth among his impoverished countrymen, a feat made all the more difficult by a tiresome and painful leg wound. Hiding his identity Padraic is by day the Irish version of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a perfumed dandy in curled wig and silks. Only those closest to him know of the double life he leads. But when Padraic returns from a sea voyage to find his father dead and a young woman claiming to be his widow he finds his very existence threatened. And when the woman turns out to be the daughter of one of Ireland’s biggest detractors in the House of Lords, a man who has sworn to see the Rebel captured and hanged, Padriac is shocked. Why would his father marry such a woman? Lady Lilianne Tinsley was sent against her will to marry Sir Edwin White. Lily runs away and is offered asylum and marriage by Padraic’s father. But Sir Edwin wants her back. Padraic doesn’t want Lily living in his castle, watching his every move, but he also knows of Edwin’s depravity and he can’t be sure what his father told Lily about the Rebel. Since childhood Lily has had the healing touch. The gift, or curse is unpredictable and when she lived in England caused Lily to be thought of as something akin to a witch. Sir Edwin knows of her abilities. Lily believes she’s lost her powers until she cures a servants grandson. Though the castle is abuzz about Lily’s feat, Padraic is no believer in miracles. Yet Padraic cannot deny how drawn he is to Lily, especially when they meet on the cliffs above the castle. Lily too is enamored, but it is of the dashing masked Rebel who meets her at night. Between their meetings, that neither seem able to resist, despite the danger, Lily dreams of the handsome hero. Padraic grows tired of his dandified alter ego, but knows his life and those of his compatriots depends on it. Sir Edwin gives a ball. Suffering from the pox and growing more decrepit by the day, Sir Edwin needs Lily even if he has to force her to submit and heal him. He expects no real trouble from Sir Padriac if he discovers that Edwin has spirited Lily away to his rooms. But it is the Rebel who shows up amid those who would see him dead to rescue Lily. After this daring raid, Sir Edwin sends word to England that more troops are needed to capture the Rebel. The troops are commanded by Foxworth Morgan, a man credited with killing the Renegade, and a man who also tried to save Padraic at the battle of Culloden. Morgan’s visit to the castle brings him face to face with Padraic. Though Padraic feels the odd kinship with Morgan he felt at Culloden, he is sure his disguise as the dandy Sir Padraic will be enough to save him. But Colonel Morgan tells Padraic that he knows who he is. He gives Padraic the option of leaving Ireland or being hanged. When Colonel Morgan returns for his answer Sir Edwin follows with British troops. Edwin shoots Colonel Morgan, who is saved by Lily. Padraic kills Edwin, but the secret is out. Though Padraic tries to send Lily back to her father for her own good, she refuses and along with many of the people who had aided the Rebel over the years, Padraic and Lily sail for the Carolinas and their new life together. less
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