Chapter 1
* Summary: The novel opens in the Edinburgh Old Town, where a mysterious body is found in the city's graveyard. It belongs to Moffat, a nobleman who was imprisoned for his role in the Jacobite rebellion.
* Real Example: The character of Moffat is based on James Keith, a real Scottish nobleman who was executed in 1747 for his support of the Jacobite cause.
Chapter 2
* Summary: The discovery of Moffat's body triggers a search for his murderer. The investigation leads to a neighboring apartment, where a young woman named Effie Deans is found hiding.
* Real Example: The character of Effie Deans is loosely based on Margaret Brogden, a young woman who was convicted of murdering her illegitimate child in 1764.
Chapter 3
* Summary: Effie Deans is arrested and imprisoned. Her sister, Jeanie, travels to Edinburgh to stand by her and try to clear her name.
* Real Example: This chapter draws inspiration from the real-life case of Isabella Walker, who was unjustly accused of murder in 1736. Her sister, Helen, traveled to London to plead for her release.
Chapter 4
* Summary: Jeanie Dean visits her sister in prison and learns that she is pregnant. Effie confesses to Jeanie that she knows who the father of her child is but refuses to reveal his identity.
* Real Example: The character of Jeanie Deans is based on Helen Walker, who traveled 700 miles on foot to London to plea for her sister's life.
Chapter 5
* Summary: Jeanie tries to find the father of Effie's child, hoping to clear her sister's name. She travels to the Highlands, where she meets Duncan Campbell, a dashing soldier who claims to have been with Effie on the night in question.
* Real Example: The character of Duncan Campbell is loosely based on General William Roy, a Scottish military engineer who was involved in the military campaign in the Highlands.
Chapter 6
* Summary: Duncan Campbell agrees to testify on Effie's behalf, but his testimony is inconclusive. Jeanie continues her search, traveling to Glasgow to investigate a potential suspect.
* Real Example: The setting of Glasgow is based on the real-life city, which was a thriving center of trade and commerce in the 18th century.
Chapter 7
* Summary: Jeanie identifies the true father of Effie's child, a wealthy landowner named George Staunton. She confronts him, threatening to expose his secret unless he clears Effie's name.
* Real Example: The character of George Staunton is based on John Balfour of Burleigh, a real-life Scottish nobleman who was involved in a scandal involving the abduction and rape of a young woman.
Chapter 8
* Summary: Staunton reluctantly agrees to help Jeanie. He reveals that the real murderer is a man named Roberts, who was blackmailing Staunton with the knowledge of his involvement with Effie.
* Real Example: The character of Roberts is based on a real-life criminal named James M'Laren, who was notorious for blackmail and murder.
Chapter 9
* Summary: Roberts is arrested and confesses to the murder. Effie is acquitted and released from prison. Jeanie returns home a hero.
* Real Example: The novel's conclusion draws inspiration from the real-life case of Helen Walker, whose sister was ultimately acquitted of murder.
