Gilly Ware, the shy young Duke of Sale, has never known his parents.

Instead, he has endured twenty-four years of pampering and pandering from his uncle and valet, which he accepts without quarrel.

But his natural diffidence conceals a rebellious spirit, and when Gilly hears of Belinda, the beautiful foundling who appears to be blackmailing his cousin, he absconds with glee.

Yet no sooner has he entered this new and dangerous world than he is plunged into a frenzy of intrigue, kidnap and adventure . . .