This is Mary Stewart at her best, before she got a bit tired on her later ones like Rose Cottage. The escape and flight part is wonderful to read; so vivid it's better than a movie. The idea that protecting the family name is of any importance compared to the life of a little boy is hard to comprehend, but Stewart is contrasting nobility in the sense of titles with nobility in the sense of noble character. Even the villain recognizes that Linda is 'gallant', though that doesn't make him want to emulate her.
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Nine Coaches Waiting