Two attractive, intelligent people with one thing in common both ofthem have sworn never to marry, unless it is for true love. Beautifuland headstrong, Lady Elva Chartham shocks her family when shedenounces the debutante balls and festivities of London as a waste ofher time. Determined not to bow to the pressure of polite society into an early marriage, she returns home to the pleasures of the countryand to dream of travel and adventure. Little does she know thatopportunities for both will be presented to her during a surprisevisit from her cousin, the enigmatic Duke of Sparkbrook. Handsome andequally adamant that he will not marry the eligible young ladiesparaded before him, they enter into a pact to help the British Government. Leaving the safety of England for Russia and the opulentcourt of Empress Catherine, Elva and the Duke grow closer as they face great danger amongst the plotters and espionage they discover. Willthey succeed in their mission and return safely back to Britain? Orwill their deception be discovered as they get drawn ever deeper intoa court filled with desire, betrayal, revenge, and ultimately love?