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BEGINS IN 1662, IN THE EARLY DAYS OF KING CHARLES II

“So this is London,” he murmured to himself.

Ahead of him was Ludgate Hill, a noisy, bustling thoroughfare where carts rumbled past and people jostled one another beneath the overhanging gables of the tall buildings on either side.

1662, and Charles 11 has been King for two years. Restoration England is an exciting place of opportunity for an ambitious man and Philip Devalle, the young son of an earl, comes to London determined to make a name for himself.

In an age when there is the Plague, the Fire of London and a war against the Dutch there is also religious intolerance – and scheming politicians. In the adventurous years ahead of him Philip will come to discover that there is a sinister side to Court, and will need to be constantly on his guard if he is to survive not only as a soldier in the French army but also as a courtier in England, at the Court of Whitehall, and at the Court of Versailles, ruled over by Louis XlV, the Sun King.

Published by Troubador.  

 SET AROUND THE TIME OF THE POPISH PLOT IN 1678 

“Shall we ever get the people to swallow such nonsense?” Philip wondered.“The more nonsensical the better!” Shaftesbury reckoned. “If we can’t bring them to swallow worse than this we shall never do any good with them.” 

Tensions are running high in King Charles II’s court when Philip Devalle returns to England after spending four years in France.
He finds the devious Earl of Shaftesbury attempting to seize power by plotting to make the Duke of Monmouth, Charles’ illegitimate son, the heir to the throne in place of his Catholic uncle, James. He enlists Philip’s help in the enterprise but as he gets drawn deeper into the web of intrigue, Philip finds his very life is in jeopardy.

He has never run from danger but as he grows more and more involved in what has become known as the Popish Plot he begins to question whether the cause for which he fights is truly worthy of his talents or his honour – or his life.

Published by Troubador. 

 SET IN THE TIME OF RYE HOUSE PLOT AROUND 1682

  "...now I think the time is right to organise a bolder plot, one which ends in victory, complete and absolute, and with the Duke of Monmouth on the throne of England."

Philip Devalle, the younger son of an earl, is left penniless when his family estate, High Heatherton, is inherited by his deranged older brother, who he has committed to Bedlam. Philip leaves France in 1681 and returns to England with one aim – to acquire High Heatherton for himself.

Lord Shaftesbury, an old associate and prolific schemer, promises to use his influence to help him get High Heatherton back. But Shaftesbury’s help comes at a hefty price. Philip must embark upon a perilous course of action that could lead him to disaster.

Philip has enemies in England who would be only too pleased to see him fail. It is a dangerous game that he is forced to play, one which could cost him everything, including his life…

Published by Troubador. 

 ''The ways of honour are not always the easiest of paths to take''

1685 is a turbulent year. 

England has another ruler on the throne, James 11, but not everyone is content with the new order and the threat of rebellion is in the air. 

Philip Devalle knows he will never prosper during James’ reign and, when he finds himself caught up in the events unfolding around him, he begins to wonder if an old enemy might not, after all, prove to be a friend, whilst his brother-in-law, Giles, who is exiled from his native land, is considering whether to risk all and return to England at the side of King James’ nephew, the rebel Duke of Monmouth.

Meanwhile, in France, Philip’s army comrade, Armand, unintentionally becomes involved in the fate of the French Huguenots and, for the first time in his life, begins to question the laws of his country and the fairness of his own king, the powerful Louis XlV.

All three soldiers must make a difficult decision if they are to do what is best for themselves, for their countries - and for their honour!

Another Philip Devalle adventure, set in England and France.

 SET AROUND THE TIME OF THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION IN 1688

 “So the question is, my friend, should I hazard everything upon the turn of this one card? My estate, my friendship with King Louis, my freedom and perhaps my life?”

It is 1688 and James ll is on the throne of England. But James is not popular—and he is a Catholic. The situation is dangerously volatile.

The Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion has failed, with bloody consequences, but there are still many who desire to see James replaced with a Protestant monarch. Among these are Philip Devalle, who has been James’ open enemy in the past, and Philip’s brother-in-law, Giles, who fought in Monmouth’s doomed uprising. 

Neither will prosper under James’ rule. However, there is an alternative . . .

Published by Troubador. 

SET IN PARIS 1689 SHORTLY AFTER THE  GLORIOUS REVOLUTION

 “The difference between us, sweetheart, is that you see only the pretty sunlit plains that stretch before you whilst I see the distant hills beyond!”

It is 1689, and England is about to be plunged into a war with France. This does not suit Philip Devalle, who is half-French.

With King William lll now ruling England, Philip, whose efforts during the ‘Glorious Revolution’ have helped to put him there, is secure – for the moment. But his scheming has also made him unpopular with many. William and Mary have no children and with Mary’s sister, Anne, heir to the throne Philip fears his future may yet be uncertain.

When he receives an invitation to meet with King Louis, the French king that he has served in the past, Philip is intrigued. Being a gambler, he decides to risk the consequences and travel to Versailles, on the chance that it might be to his advantage. He believes he has no enemies in France. 

He is wrong.

Published by Troubador. 

SET IN THE EARLY YEARS OF WILLIAM III'S REIGN IN THE 1690s, AROUND THE TIME OF THE BATTLE OF THE BOYNE AND THE WAR WITH FRANCE

"This is like you, Philip, but have you truly thought it out? These are dangerous times. You would be hazarding everything, not only your estate and your favour with Louis but quite possibly your freedom, even your life."

It is the last decade of the eventful 17th Century, a time of war between King William in England and the French Sun King, Louis XlV.
But Philip’s loyalties are divided.

Weary of war and politics, Philip has a new plan. His latest enterprise, in the mountains and sunny slopes of Languedoc, will make him new friends and new enemies as he becomes involved in the plight of the French Huguenots and the struggle for power between two monarchs. He will need determination, ingenuity and courage, as well as his loyal friends, if he is to safeguard his inheritance and the future of his family.

For these are uncertain years.

 Published by Troubador