Giles knew Monmouth to be a fine commander, for he had served under the Duke when they had fought against the Covenanters at Bothwell Brig, but Giles also knew that Monmouth was no match for the wily Shaftesbury. Philip Devalle, the younger son of an earl, is left penniless when his family estate, High Heatherton, is inherited by his older brother who is declared insane and locked away in Bedlam. When Philip leaves the French army and returns to England he has only one aim - to acquire High Heatherton for himself. Lord Shaftesbury, an old associate of Devalle's and a prolific schemer, promises to use his influence with the courts to help him get High Heatherton back. But Shaftesbury's help comes at a hefty price. He wants Philip to lead a daring plot - a plot to place King Charles' illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, who Shaftesbury can easily manipulate, on the throne. Philip has enemies in England, enemies who would be only too pleased to see him fail, but he knows to tread carefully if he is to avoid being tried for treason. All too soon Philip fears that he has got himself in too deep and has set in motion a plan that he is unable to stop. It's a dangerous game that Philip is forced to play, one which could cost him everything, including his life...