Returning home through a London night in July 1816, I am surprised to spy a well-dressed, elegant woman stride to the middle of an unfinished bridge. Following her in curiosity, I’m on hand to rescue her from an attack by a footpad.

I learn that she is one Lydia Westin, wife of Colonel Roehampton Westin, who has recently been accused of murdering an English officer in Portugal during the Peninsular War. Before he could come to trial, however, Colonel Westin was found dead at the foot of the staircase in his own house.

Mrs. Westin, to my amazement, declares he was murdered and that she knows the culprits’ identities. Intrigued, I begin to investigate, and soon delve into scandals past and present, with a journalist dogging my steps, and a murderer determined to kill all involved, including Lydia and myself.

I learn more about battles in the Peninsular War than I’d ever known, and what terrible secrets Colonel Westin took to his grave.