[ePub] Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights (1): The red-brick castles of Prussia 1230–1466 (Fortress) by Stephen Turnbull at Arts-Photography

Description

In 1938 Britain; while war with Nazi Germany looms; the extravagant lifestyle of the English elite goes on. The so-called Season is beginning; a traditional period during which marriageable young ladies of the aristocracy enjoy lavish balls and are presented to the monarchy as they enter high society. This year; it is 18 year old LADY MARY ASHMORES turn.Mary hopes that her escort to her ball will be the object of her desire: the sensitive and fiercely patriotic LORD ANDREW BUCKFORD. Although Andrews roguish younger brother NICHOLAS has his eye on Mary; she shuns him because of his reputation as a womanizer and rumors that he is involved in activities possibly detrimental to Britain.Mary is devastated when she discovers that Andrew is deeply in love with her German-Jewish tutor RUTH HERZOG. Learning of the situation; Marys mother; LADY CELIA; immediately discharges Ruth; sending her back to Nazi Germany. There; she is forced to live under deplorable conditions in a Jewish ghetto; a stark contrast to the German life she once knew.Shocked by Ruths sudden departure; but aware that Mary plans a visit to relatives in Berlin; Andrew; who has joined the Royal Air Force; secures documents enabling Ruths return to England. He pleads with Mary to deliver them to Ruth; and she reluctantly agrees. Marys jealousy; however; gets in the way.In Berlin; Mary confronts the harsh reality of Nazi militarism; extreme anti-Semitism and the ever-present threat of Ruths deportation to one of Hitlers death camps. In addition; she must contend with her radical cousin HEINZI who is active in the Hitler Youth movement and lusts after Mary. Nicholas surprisingly turns up in Berlin on business; and Mary gets an inkling that the mysterious project with which he is involved may prove far more powerful and important than anyone ever dreamed.After a long personal struggle; Mary realizes the harm her selfish emotions and unrequited love have caused and embarks on a dangerous plan to help Ruth escape Germany.