Loyalty and Betrayal

The narrative is driven by conflicting loyalties to prince, country, and personal honor, with characters like Kyd and Sir John Norreys embodying treachery that threatens the Jacobite cause.

The dedication explicitly speaks of 'twin loyalties' and attempts to 'intertwine our loyalties,' establishing loyalty as a central theme.

The theme is explored through Alastair's 'huge baggage of ambitions and loyalties' versus Midwinter's claim to have 'the loyalties of Old England,' hinting at different forms of allegiance.

Alastair's loyalty to the Prince is contrasted with Mr. Kyd's ambiguous expressions, hinting at possible betrayal.

Alastair's anxiety about a traitor in the Jacobite cause contrasts with the fierce loyalty of Lady Norreys and her servants.