Here is the story of the brilliant and tempestuous Margaret Brent who played a leading role in Maryland colonial affairs.

In 1633 she invested in the undertaking of her kinsman Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore, when he sought settlers for Maryland—a colony founded as a refuge for the persecuted Catholics of England and a place where religious freedom would be granted to all. Five years later, after the death of their mother, Margaret Brent and her sister Mary with her brothers Fulke and Giles crossed the ocean to their new home. Once in Maryland they found themselves in the midst of turbulent happenings as the young settlement struggled against incursions from Virginia, Indian threats and the difficulties of the Proprietor, Lord Baltimore, in England as the government fell into the hands of Cromwell's men.

Giles Brent was appointed to important posts in Maryland, but it was often upon the shoulders of his attractive, high-spirited sister Margaret that the responsibilities fell. How, when he was beset by enemies, she took charge of the family affairs, protected an Indian princess, quelled a mutiny single-handed, and was appointed executrix for the estate of Governor Leonard Calvert are among the exciting exploits of one of the most fascinating women in early American history.

From the dust jacket