Killian Melville is probably the most brilliant architect of the age Young, highly intelligent and passionate about his art, he is liked by everyone and maintains a straightforward honesty which endears him to society So when he visits Sir Oliver Rathbone, in need of the best lawyer there is to represent him over his alleged 'breach of promise' to marry the daughter of his patron, Rathbone agrees despite his misgivings The case is not easy, for Melville has nothing concrete to offer in his defence It turns out to be the most baffling and complex case that Rathbone has ever been faced with