The Revolution is spreading across France and it had reached the stately chateau of Virginie Durmont's guardian in the country side. She had accidentally been separated from the rest of the family and her need to escape France has become paramount, something her sheltered life and refined upbringing has left her unprepared for. Her only choice is to turn to her guardian's belligerent and selfish half-brother, Tomas Sanbonne.Virginie is certain that her guardian's faith in his half-brother is misplaced, but her dire circumstances mean she must beseech his assistance. She must reach safety beyond French shores and she will just have to put up with his considerable disapproval of her and everything she stands for.