A perfect novel. 
 It's all there is to say. 
 Nonetheless, I will tell you a few more words. 
 Do you know this anxiety, when you have read a beautiful book (which became your favorite, immediately) and you are afraid to read another of the same writer, because you fear that another book will not be so marvelous? I had had this feeling with Daphne du Maurier. The King's General was one of these novels which touch me so deep that I will never forget them. I needed one and a half year to dare to read du Maurier again. But I did it and... 
 "What is the difference?" 
 "Between happiness and contentment? Ah, there you have me. It is not easy to put into words. Contentment is a state of mind and body when the two work in harmony, and there is no friction. The mind is at peace, and the body also. The two are sufficient to themselves. Happiness is elusive-coming perhaps once in a life-time-and approaching ecstasy." 
 This wonderful love story took me into the different world. Into the world where the term "true love" means what it should mean. [I am sighing and thinking how to put into the words what I feel now...] It was one of the best love stories. 
 love was a thing of such simplicity once it was shared, and admitted, and done, with all the joy intensified and all the fever gone 
 The Frenchman was a hero to fell in love (I did it, of course), Dona was a heroine to like, to admire (for trying to be free) and to identify with. 
 she had felt a little prick of shame, a curious sense of degradation, as though she had dressed up for a masquerade and the clothes had not fitted her well 
 There was also unforgettable William, who gave a little lightness and humor into the story. 
 "And I have shadows beneath my eyes, and I am exceedingly weary." 
 "Quite, my lady." 
 "I think you had better leave the room, William, before I throw something at you." 
 "Very good, my lady." 
 Even secondary characters like Harry, Rockingham, Godolphin or Pure were simply perfect for the story. 
 What should I add? 
 Perhaps, that a summary of this masterpiece isn't adequate. Because, at least to me, it wasn't simply an adventure novel. If you see a story about spoiled rich wife who seeks new thrills and about a pirate who plays a Robin Hood - I don't think you will like it so much like I did. But if you try to see humans in Dona and Jean-Benoit, you will see how real they were. And that their choices weren't part of some play. 
 Perhaps, that I know, for most of the readers it wasn't the best of du Maurier, and I am excited when I think of her another novel. 
 Perhaps, that I want to believe so much, that 
 "It does happen, you know, from time to time, that a man finds a woman who is the answer to all his more searching dreams. And the two have understanding of each other, from the lightest moment to the darkest mood." 
 And that was why I found this piece to be a perfect novel. (Next to the flowing narration and the nostalgic mood.)