Having survived scandal and the disdain of many a society lady and gentleman in years past, Caterina is now the mistress of her household, and the talented artist behind a successful series of cartoons. But her hard-won independence is far from secure. The political turmoil following Napoleon's invasion of Portugal in 1807 has left a vacuum of power and a dangerous climate for liberal freethinkers like Caterina. When her son Lewis joins in the political fray, Caterina is drawn in as well--and while painting the portrait of a powerful political figure, she embarks on a dangerous new career. She must summon all of her strong will and courage to survive the spinning tornado of political intrigue and lies this time--and to face a past she thought she had left behind forever.

As always, Jane Aiken Hodge blends fact with fiction seamlessly to tell a dramatic tale of love and war.