Book 7: Chapter 17 Summary

Golden Square, July 28, 1714

Bolingbroke, Ravenscar and many of the Tory and Whig political hierarchy attend the dinner party that Bolingbroke has initiated. Conversation turns toward Natural Philosophy and Sir Isaac as the evening progresses. Bolingbroke and Lord Ravenscar ascend to the observatory and talk while they look at the stables of a nearby manor from a telescope. They spy Princess Caroline climbing into a carriage from the rooftop and they are astounded that she is in London.

Book 7: Chapter 17 Analysis

Ravenscar has alternative motives for attending the dinner. He wants to outwit Bolingbroke and make him feel inferior, while Bolingbroke wants to prove to Ravenscar how much strength and comradery he shares with many powerful people. Bolingbroke manipulates Ravenscar to confirm his suspicions that the handsome woman in the manor across the way is Princess Caroline. In his surprise at seeing...