Caravan 1946

Rescue in London

In early 19th-century London, destitute Richard Darrell rescues Don Carlos from two robbers. The act reveals Richard's precarious position and forges an early bond with Don Carlos that will influence later events.

Manuscript return and backstory prompt

Don Carlos encourages Richard to talk about his background after he returns for the manuscript. The conversation touches on Richard's upbringing, hinting at his connections to Oriana Camperdene and Francis Castleton from their childhood.

Richard's origins and childhood rivals

Richard explains that he is the son of a poor country doctor and that during their childhood he met Oriana Camperdene and Francis Castleton. He and Francis become rivals for Oriana's affections.

Oriana and her father depart for Spain

Oriana and her father leave for Spain, beginning a separation that shapes the future. Their departure sets the stage for a later reunion as adults.

Adults reunite and postpone the wedding

As adults, Oriana and Francis are reunited and agree to marry, much to Francis's disgust. They postpone the wedding for a year so that Richard can go to London and win his fortune as a writer.

Richard goes to London to write

Richard travels to London with the aim of becoming a published writer and even completes a novel. However, no one is willing to publish it, leaving his year of opportunity in jeopardy.

Don Carlos offers to publish and the Granada necklace

Don Carlos offers to publish Richard's novel and asks him to carry a valuable necklace that once belonged to Queen Isabella of Castile to Granada. The offer raises the stakes of the journey and frames the necklace as a symbol of status and temptation.

Farewell to Oriana and departure

Richard bids farewell to Oriana and sets out on his journey, leaving behind the life he hoped to claim. The departure marks the start of a dangerous voyage toward Granada.

Assault on the road by Wycroft

On the way, Richard is assaulted, robbed, and nearly killed by Wycroft acting for Sir Francis Castleton. The attack overturns his fortunes and triggers amnesia.

Oriana believes Richard is dead and marries Francis

With Richard presumed dead and her father recently deceased, Oriana marries Francis Castleton. The wedding consolidates Francis's position and closes a chapter on Oriana's prior life.

Richard loses memory and marries Rosal

Richard suffers memory loss from the assault and later marries a gypsy girl named Rosal. This new life diverges sharply from his earlier plans and relationships.