Returning home from the battle of Waterloo to claim his title as the new Seventh Earl of St Erth, Gervase Frant is met with surprising hostility from his family.

Only Theo, a cousin even quieter than himself, is there to greet him - and when he meets his stepmother and young half-brother he detects open disappointment that he survived the wars.

The tensions in the household only worsen as the beautiful Mariann, the intended bride of Gervase's half-brother, catches his eye - and his heart.

Gervase may be off the battlefield, but his life is still threatened, as it becomes increasingly clear that someone wants him dead...