The emerald of Catherine the Great

"The Emerald of Catherine the Great" by Hilaire Belloc is a historical mystery that connects the fate of an English family to a legendary Russian empress. At the center of the story is William Bones, a former sea captain, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he comes into possession of a valuable emerald with ties to Catherine the Great. This sets up a family secret that now impacts William's descendants, the de Bohuns, particularly young Marjorie, who inherits the magnificent jewel. Drama unfolds at their family gathering as the emerald disappears, creating suspicion amongst the family members and threatening their reputation in society.