When Miss Thalia "Tally" Langley receives the wrong trunk at her sister's house party, she does not expect its contents of a little black gown to lead her in a cat-and- mouse game with British Intelligence.

Tally is in league with her cousin, Philippa, to rescue Philippa's lover from prison. The escape goes flawlessly. Now, using her sister's party as cover, they must arrange to get him out of the country. One of the guests, a bumbling vicar, catches Talley's eye. Her attraction to the vicar confuses her, but something in his demeanor hints of secrets. Slipping into the black gown that fits her like a second skin, Tally plans for the vicar to succumb to her allure and confess all.

For the last 10 years, Lord Larken has spent his time in the war involved in hellish plots, schemes and assassinations. Larken agrees to any demand British Intelligence ask of him as he attempts to restore his father's honor, whose reputation was destroyed when he chose a woman over his country. Larken's latest, and hopefully last, mission is the elimination of Captain Dashwell currently believed hiding at a house party given by an influential member of the ton. Larken arrives disguised as a vicar and begins his search, until a feather- headed chit interrupts his hunt.

Tally's appearance in the seductive black gown distracts Larken from his quest. Tally and Larken engage in a game of wits where neither can afford to lose. Nevertheless, the situation must have a winner regardless of the broken hearts.

The incomparable Ms. Boyle's clever humor shines in the first of her back-to-back novels. She combines a perfect mix of dark anguish tempered with witty dialogue and antics. She concludes with a happy ending for one couple, while leaving readers in high anticipation of the fate of Lady Philippa in MEMOIRS OF A SCANDALOUS RED DRESS.