Augustus Whittlesby has been an agent in France for years. He is aware of the Pink Carnation's organization and sometimes works with them, when needed. He is also in love with the Pink Carnation.

Augustus has posed as a poet with Jane as his inspiration for all of his poetry. He has always known Emma Morris Delagardie as a part of French Society. What he doesn't know is that there is much more to Emma than anyone would think.

Emma ran away with her husband at a young age to escape her family and because she fancied herself in love. Both of them were disappointed in the marriage. Paul, because he wanted Emma's dower to finance his plans for draining the lands of his estate so he could make it profitable. She, because Paul seemed more interested in his schemes than in her. Emma spends most of the year in Paris with the Bonapartes while Paul stays at his beloved estates.

One of her cousins is the ambassador from the United States to France. Another has come to explore business opportunities and to return Emma to her family. Emma has no desire to return to her family but she is torn as to what she will do once her plans are finished. When Paul died unexpectedly, Emma worked tirelessly to facilitate his plans for the estate and almost everything is done.

When she is asked to plan a masque as a farewell for her cousin Robert's return to the Americas, she is reluctant. Only when she is asked by Jane to work with Augustus, does she give in.

Emma and Augustus have never gotten along. He thinks her a frivolous woman. She can see his feeling for Jane are not reciprocated and thinks him a fool for the drivel he writes. As they work together to plan the masque, they will also have to thwart plans for an invasion of England by the French.

When they are betrayed by of the men who works under Agustus, Emma will help him escape and make a decision about what to do with her own life.

This series just gets better and better. The blending of the past and the present never fails to keep me entertained. Ms. Willig has written some memorable characters in this installment of the series. Colin and Eloise hit a crucial point in their relationship and they must also make some decisions about where they are heading. A very satisfactory read!