Four officers of the Crown, aided by Bastion Club members and Cynster alike, fight to bring down a dangerous enemy- and to win the loves of their lives. In this first book we meet Colonel Derek Delborough who is not far from danger when his ship docks in Southampton. When Deliah Duncannon appears she is an unwelcome intrusion, but before he can get rid of her she narrowly saves his life. Now a target of the enemies to this stubborn but exceedingly enticing Colonel, the two race against time to reach the safety of the Cynster country house.