Clorinda, Lady Bexbury's intimates observe her to be in a strange unwonted mood: like Patience on a monument, she is concealing her unexpected fall into love towards her protegée Leda Hacker. While Olverham and Plumwell have fled abroad in disgrace, the repercussions of their machinations are still felt. The Season has begun, placing exceeding pressures on that most fashionable of modistes, Mamzelle Bridgette. Geoffrey Merrett, well-contented with his somewhat unconventional marriage, is briefed for the defence in a high-profile murder case. Nat Barron finds that his reputation for getting the job done is extending further than he knew. Leda, and Matt Johnson's other inquiry agents, have a deal of work upon hand.