It’s a novel I read in the mid 80’s, although I suspect it was written before that. The protagonist is older than average. Curmudgeonly, ego-centric and eccentric. The only scene I remember with clarity is one in which the protagonist is being chased through the precincts of a city or maybe an enemy’s citadel. He comes across a courtyard or walled garden in which there is a bush or shrub decorated with white flowers. Our hero is wearing a purple and green robe, cloak or other outfit and gambles that his clothes – being made up of two complementary colours – will register as white to pursuers in a hurry. Taking a chance on this he hides himself in front of the bush or shrubbery and, sure enough, his pursuers hurtle on past him and through the garden, allowing our hero to escape at his leisure. Identifying this book has been bugging me for over a decade now, so any hints, clues, leads or even an answer will be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance. . .