The Fortunes of Nigel

The plot concerns the efforts of Nigel Olifaunt, Lord Glenvarloch, to prevent the sale of his ancestral castle and estates. In order to do so, he travels to London to reclaim a large sum of money lent to King James I and VI by his father. As the royal favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, desires the land, the King is reluctant to comply with Nigel's request. Buckingham's friend, Lord Dalgarno, attempts to place Nigel in a disadvantageous light by luring him into a life of dissipation. Exaggerated reports of Nigel's follies reach the King, and he is isolated from the court. Apprised of Dalgarno's treachery, Nigel confronts and strikes him in the royal park of St. James, an offence punishable by the loss of his right hand. He solicits the King's favour but is sent to the Tower of London. His rescue is effected by a secret admirer, Margaret Ramsay, goddaughter of the King's banker, George Heriot. Margaret also wishes to restore the honour of her friend and patroness, Lady Hermione, whom Dalgarno has tricked into a false marriage. Disguised as a page she obtains an audience with King James, and persuades him of Nigel's innocence and Dalgarno's duplicity. Nigel's estates are redeemed, and he and Margaret wed. Dalgarno is compelled to make Hermione his lawful wife. Dalgarno makes off with his wife's money and heads for Scotland in an attempt to seize Nigel's land, but is ambushed and killed by robbers. The widowed Hermione makes Nigel and Margaret her heirs.