The Laughing Cavalier

Set in 1623 Holland, the story follows Percy Blake, an adventurous ancestor of the Scarlet Pimpernel, known as Diogenes. Unlike his descendant, Diogenes lacks the moral integrity that defines the later hero, having lived a life as a mercenary. Now returning to Haarlem with two companions, he finds himself broke and in search of amusement. The narrative explores themes of identity and transformation, revealing the complexities of a character who is still in the process of defining his legacy, as inspired by the famous painting by Franz Hals.