Lady Katherine Wellmore, known as Kitty to her family, is the daughter of the Duke of Wenton. Although a little reticent to leave their country estate to go to London for her introduction to the society of the haut ton, at first she finds it enjoyable, until the rumours start. When someone tries to murder her and blame the Prince Regent the world becomes a very dangerous place. This is a case of treason. After Waterloo the agents of the crown have returned home with little to interest them. One in particular is Richard Trevane, Fifth Earl of Pengarron. Harassed by the matrons of the ton he should at least find peace at home but his mother is determined to marry him to someone of her choice. Restless and besieged he needs something to occupy him, some cause on which to use his over active intellect. When he discovers Kitty hiding on his estate in Cornwall he finds he has more of a cause than he had intended, but can he save her?