In 1801, Martin Dunne spends his days as a hardworking clerk at the War Office in London's Whitehall. One summer evening, after a drink in a Fleet Street tavern, he has an unexpected passionate encounter with a seducer who haunts his dreams. But when they accidentally meet at a society function, the alluring stranger not only turns out to be the son of one of Martin's superiors but also betrothed to a trusting young lady. Martin's hopes are dashed as he imagines the Hon. William Grant is a cynical rake of the worst kind. But has he misunderstood the situation? And might he allow Will to explain and give their fleeting connection a chance to develop into a fully-fledged romance?