Works by
Michael J. Eardley
(Writer)

Letter from Poitou  (2004)
This is the tale of Eve de Clavering, a child bride sold into a loveless union with the Audley heir for the sake of her father’s dynastic ambitions. Twice widowed by the age of twenty-one, she had no children in wedlock but five by her lover from a twenty-year relationship without the blessing of law or priest. Surrounded by controversy and intrigue, she became a fitting companion for Queen Isabella, the ‘she-wolf’ of France. Her eldest boy, James Audley, although illegitimate, was a favourite of Edward III and the Black Prince, a founding member of the Garter Knights, and hero of the battle of Poitiers in the Hundred Years War. Eve lived seventy-six years, dying in September 1369—the same month and year as her celebrated son. Follow the turbulent sweep of 14th century history through Eve’s eyes. Wars, politics, murder, and forbidden love all played a part in her remarkable story.