Edward, Earl of Chalcombe, walking home, is attacked. He attempts to defend himself but is bludgeoned to the ground. Death seems inevitable when a fat ugly man carrying a stick and a beautiful slender young lady appear and rescue him. The rescuers bundle Edward home and the young lady, Madelaine, summons the Bow Street runners. Refusing reward she provides no address. But Edward, fascinated by both Madelaine’s beauty and swordsmanship, intends to pursue the acquaintance. Edward seeks his rescuers and the culprits who wish to terminate his life. He offers the elusive Madelaine marriage but she repeatedly declines. Madelaine's father accepts an invitation to visit Edward's estate with her over Christmas as he takes a liking to Edward. As Edward pursues Madelaine, the attempts on his life continue. The mystery intertwines as their romance progresses and Madelaine eventually reveals the secret making her refuse to marry him.

This is the second book in the world of the Charrington Chronicles, in which old friends from The Fencing Master's Daughter might be met again. Devastatingly handsome Sebastian, Marquis of Farndon, awaits a lady, a present from his best friend Stephen for his thirtieth birthday. Alicia Lambert fleeing from a forced marriage is shown into his room by mistake. Inebriated from celebrating his return to England, Sebastian disbelieves her protests and is initially reluctant to let her escape. Alicia is glad to get back to her own room unravished. Meeting Sebastian later in London, Alicia is relieved he does not recognise her. But when he pursues her and proposes marriage, she doubts his feelings for her are real. Sebastian, who has fallen in love, wants to protect Alicia from the machinations of the blackguard, Major Mallinder, as he fears for her life and that of her aunt, Maud. The question remains as to whether Sebastian’s natural intelligence is enough to deal with the ruthlessness of Alexander Mallinder.