Perry Shepard, the earl of Brentwood, doesn't talk about his service to England during the war with Napoleon, but his uncle knows that Perry is more than the Regency social gadfly he appears to be and insists that he spy on the estranged Queen Caroline, who has returned to England to be crowned at the coronation of her despised husband. To do so, Perry must acquaint himself with Amelia Fredericks, the queen's adopted daughter and staunch ally. Amelia succumbs to his charm, only to feel betrayed when she learns of his mission. He is equally smitten, and comes to believe that the queen is being used for political gain, and that his precious Amelia may be caught up in the same intrigue due to her mysterious origins. Can Perry have his love, or does she belong to England?