Presenting the prequels to the well-received Philip Devalle series, Designs of a Gentleman: The Early Years and The Darker Years introduce the adventurous character we know and love right back at the beginning!
The Early Years - 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. 