When an orphan is caught in a deadly feud between two would-be fathers he must learn the rules of the game, before he becomes its next casualty. The first book in the series, follows Victor as he battles to survive in a war waged in the shadows of Britain's insatiable empire. As the 19th century dawns on Britain, an abandoned new-born child is taken in by wealthy widower Sir Godfrey Ramsay. Given a name and an education, Victor Winter grows up knowing that he must earn the right to be part of his patron's family. Yet while Sir Godfrey's patronage grows ever stricter and more stifling, the enigmatic Lord Elsfield promises adventure and advancement - and the keys to the heart of Victor's intended. But is Lord Elsfield all that he appears, and can he be trusted?