"The Fortunes of Nigel" is a novel by Sir Walter Scott. It was
published in 1822
The novel is set during the reign of
James I. Nigel Oliphant, Lord Glenvarloch, is in desperate need of a large sum of money. His father advanced it to the king during a crisis in his fortunes.
Nigel has estates that are heavily mortgaged and without a large amount of money he is in danger of losing them. He comes to London and is received by the king who signs an order on his behalf on Scotland's Treasury.
Unfortunately, Prince Charles and the Duke of Buckingham covet the Glenvarloch estates. They send their favourite Lord Dalgarno to befriend Nigel but in reality, it is to lead him into trouble and to earn displeasure from the king.
A London clockmaker's daughter,
Margaret Ramsay, is uneasy about Nigel's friendship with Dalgarno whose wronged wife, Hermione, is actually Margaret's partroness.
When Nigel discovers Dargarno's true character, he strikes him. Doing so is an offence at the court of King James, which means it can cost Nigel his right hand. He manages to escape to the underworld of Alsatia, while Margaret enlists the help of Lady Hermione and Richard Moniplies, Nigel's servant.
Nigel is still caught and sent to the Tower. Margaret tries to rescue him and disguises herself as a page to gain the king's attention. She succeeds. In the end Nigel marries Margaret and returns to Scotland. Dalgarno, while trying to pursue Nigel, is killed by robbers.