Summary

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Frank Osbaldistone's life takes a dramatic turn when he is summoned from France to return home. His father, disillusioned by his lack of progress in the family business, sends him to Osbaldistone Hall in northern England. Frank's task is to see who among his uncle's sons might join the family trade enterprise.

On the Road to Osbaldistone Hall

While traveling, Frank encounters a man named Morris who is carrying a hefty sum of money. The two stop at the Black Bear Inn in Darlington, where they share a meal with a Scotsman named Mr. Campbell, who is secretly the notorious outlaw, Rob Roy. The next day, Campbell and Morris depart together, only for Morris to be robbed of his money by a highwayman. Oblivious to this, Frank continues on his journey to Osbaldistone Hall. Nearing the hall, he stumbles upon a fox hunt and meets the spirited Diana Vernon, Sir Hildebrand's niece. Diana candidly describes Frank's cousins as a mix of undesirable traits, singling out Rashleigh as particularly treacherous.

Family Tensions and New Alliances

Tensions run high between Frank and his cousins, culminating in a fierce altercation with Rashleigh, which they later pretend to reconcile. Meanwhile, despite suspicions and accusations of highway robbery leveled against Frank, Rob Roy intervenes at Squire Inglewood's court to clear his name. As Rashleigh departs to join the family business, Frank becomes Diana's tutor, leading to a deepening bond complicated by their differing religious beliefs.

Intrigue and Betrayal

Frank receives troubling news from Mr. Tresham that Rashleigh is scheming to defraud the family business while their father is abroad. Determined to thwart Rashleigh, Frank and Andrew Fairservice, the gardener, head to Glasgow. During a church service, Frank is warned of danger by a mysterious voice that later leads him to the Tolbooth prison. There, he discovers his father’s clerk, Mr. Owen, imprisoned due to Rashleigh's machinations. It is revealed that Campbell, who aids Frank, is indeed Rob Roy.

Confrontations and Revelations

Frank witnesses a clandestine meeting between Morris, MacVittie, and Rashleigh, prompting a confrontation with Rashleigh that nearly ends in a duel, only to be halted by Rob Roy. Through Rob Roy, Frank learns of Rashleigh's involvement in a Jacobite conspiracy, further entangling his family’s fortunes. Suspicions arise that Rashleigh orchestrated the robbery of Morris, leveraging insider information from Rob Roy.

Highland Escapades

Arrested while seeking Rob Roy, Frank and Andrew are freed when Helen, Rob Roy's formidable wife, commands an ambush on their captors. The fierce Scotswoman decrees Morris's execution while Rob Roy narrowly escapes captivity by swimming a river. As the political situation worsens, Frank fears he will never see Diana again. Yet fate intervenes, and he encounters her with her father, Sir Frederick Vernon, in hiding.

Restoring Honor and Fortune

Diana provides Frank with a vital packet of papers that Rashleigh has relinquished, safeguarding the financial future of Osbaldistone and Tresham. During the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, Rashleigh betrays the Stuart cause. Before his capture, Sir Hildebrand alters his will, naming Frank as his heir in place of Rashleigh. The death of Sir Hildebrand and his sons leaves Frank as the owner of the estate.

The Fate of Osbaldistone Hall

As Frank claims his inheritance, Rashleigh returns with a warrant against Diana and her father but is slain in a confrontation with Rob Roy. With Rashleigh's treachery avenged, Frank takes possession of Osbaldistone Hall. Initially hesitant about his son marrying a Catholic, Frank's father eventually gives his blessing, allowing Frank and Diana to wed, uniting their futures and solidifying Frank’s legacy.

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