Lord Julian Caldicott accepts a request to search for the missing wife of Mr. John Tait. Evelyn Tait disappeared five years ago, and as Julian attempts to follow a cold trail, he meets with resistance, lies, and suspicion from those who should seek most eagerly to aid him. Matters grow more complicated when the investigation drives a wedge of silence between Julian and his dear friend Hyperia West. Julian battles his own past, unexpected enemies, and Hyperia's disapproving brother while searching for the prodigal wife, and just when he's tempted to give up in disgust, he realizes the lady is in danger. She needs not only to be found, but also to be rescued from imminent peril, no matter the cost to Julian or to the dreams he's dared to begin to cherish.