A Gallant of Lorraine; vol. 2 of 2 François, Seigneur de Bassompierre, Marquis d'Haronel, Maréchal de France, 1579-1646

Set against the turbulent courts of Louis XIII, the story follows the charismatic François de Bassompierre—a marshal, diplomat, and favorite of the king. As France grapples with a stubborn siege at Montauban, Bassompierre’s bold strategies clash with the ambitions of rival courtiers, leading to a series of daring maneuvers and a brief, humiliating setback that forces the king to reconsider his counsel. Illness strikes the marshal at a critical moment, sending him on a fraught journey through war‑torn towns where he must rely on his wits and the loyalty of a few trusted allies.

Beyond the battlefield, the narrative delves into the tangled web of politics that surrounds the throne. Ministers, nobles, and foreign powers vie for influence, while the lingering Huguenot conflict threatens to reignite. Bassompierre’s steadfast resolve and sharp insight place him at the heart of these intrigues, offering listeners a vivid portrait of a man balancing honor, ambition, and the ever‑shifting tides of 17th‑century France.