Lady Katherine is a woman ahead of her time---thumbing her nose at society’s strictures, as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry. In a search for adventure and profit she has Empress Josephine’s designs smuggled into England. But when collecting her prize at the secluded docks, Kate gets more than she bargained for. Tucked into her pattern books is Napoleon’s code key. Unaware of the panoply of pursuers she has triggered, she endures a series of break-ins, muggings and finally an attempt on her life.

The gallant Ambrose St. Claire has been assigned by England’s Home Office to retrieve the codes and monitor Kate. He soon finds himself embroiled in more than surveillance, as his passion for the lady ignites. Together the two of them embark on a journey of danger and romance which takes them from the streets of London to her cherished country home, The Meadows.