The Dynasty (THE CHADLINGTON CHRONICLES, #4) / THE CHADLINGTON CHRONICLES (ePub)

THE DYNASTY

The Dynasty is the fourth book in the Chadlington Chronicles, spanning from 2010 to 2020 during the time of the Thirteenth Duke.

The 13th Duke of Chadlington has now been in place for three years. With a Duchess whom he considers perfect and a new son, he is a contented man.

Then Lady Paulay, no longer the typical bluestocking, arrives with the contents of the second scroll and the Hall becomes the scene of an archaeological dig. Good news for the duchy, as it will increase its tourism appeal.

Catherine and Stephanie's weddings are joyful occasions, as is the launching of the two trawlers, although they are immediately declared 'black' by the unions. Catherine's participation in the London Olympics is jeopardized when her favourite horse, Petticoat, is stolen. Petticoat is recovered, after three murders and a judicial killing but is in no state to compete.

A traitor within the SIS puts Isay at risk, one of the trawlers is seized and the island itself is invaded by Russian Special Forces. Co-opted to COBRA, George's knowledge of the new airstrip on the island is vital as the SAS and the SBS swing into action. As a result of this, George's involvement with the SIS deepens, firstly with identifying and dealing with the traitor and then with the recruitment and control of a high-level agent with access to the Kremlin's thinking and intentions.

In September 2014, George receives a request from an old Hong Kong friend. Aiding his friend and his hapless daughter requires George to carry out a covert action in Pakistan. This brings him back into contact with Beverly, someone whose charms could threaten any marriage.

Abbott, the disgraced Agent, is released from prison just as the police begin examining some cold cases, including several murders that have close connections with the duchy.

Early in 2017, the need to extract an agent and his family requires George to make a hazardous intrusion into Russia. Extractions seem to be the fashion, the same year an agent has to be extracted from Hong Kong, no simple matter as he is under constant surveillance.

The affairs of the duchy are not neglected, George decides on a conference to plan the road ahead and enlists the aid of the Saïd Business School in Oxford.

The recruitment of two agents from within top-secret Russian laboratories requires planning for two more extractions. But first, espionage is a two-way street and there is a Russian agent in the Cabinet Office who must be exposed and turned.

In the midst of this, two unwelcome guests arrive at the Hall, one of whom puts his life on the line to save George.

Arpita Bhavalakar arrives, having just obtained her MBA and shortly afterwards her father visits. He is not as welcome; he dislikes her choice of boyfriend and puts two bullets into each of them. He also has contacts with al-Qaeda that make him very attractive to the SIS.

There are further developments in India and elsewhere but in the UK the threat of Covid is emerging.