Deze auteur put diepe inspiratie uit de zeventiende eeuw, een passie gevoed door haar kunststudies en reizen naar Parijs en Versailles. Haar historische fictie is geworteld in de werkelijke gebeurtenissen van die tijd, waarbij ze levendig levens en personages in zowel Engeland als Frankrijk portretteert. Door haar verhalen weeft ze nauwgezet fictieve verhalen op rijke historische tapijten. Haar werk biedt lezers een boeiende verkenning van de menselijke ervaring, gesitueerd tegen de dramatische achtergrond van een transformerend tijdperk.
1662, Charles II has been King for two years. Restoration England is an exciting place of opportunity 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.
It is the last decade of the eventful 17th Century. It is also a period of constant war between William, the King of England and the French Sun King, Louis XlV, a situation half-French Philip Devalle finds trying as his loyalties are constantly divided. Weary of war and politics, Philip has a new plan.
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.
England is about to be plunged into a war with France. To say this does not suit half-French Philip Devalle would be an understatement. With King William III now ruling England, Philip, whose efforts during the `Glorious Revolution' have helped put William there, is secure - for the moment. But his scheming has made him unpopular with many.