After her best friend Charlotte marries, Lady Edith desires her own happily ever after—with someone who will share her interest in current events and politics. Edith has set her sights on the dangerous Cecil Wycliffe, although he doesn't know she exists.
Lord Nathaniel Harbury suffers from survivor's guilt after leaving the HMS St. George shortly before it went down at sea. Unlike his friend Cecil, he sees beyond Edith's golden locks and sprite-like figure to the fascinating, intelligent woman who brings light into his melancholy world.
Several military veterans vanish from London, and the pair become embroiled in the schemes of the Rogue's Alliance. While investigating the disappearance of the missing men, Edith realizes there is more to Nathaniel than she ever imagined, and with Edith's encouragement, Nathaniel begins to believe in himself again.