When Revolution fever begins to grip Paris, the unassuming Wilhelmina Crump and her capricious cousin, Lavinia are forced to cut short their visit. Before they leave France, their host entrusts to Wilhelmina a letter destined for a contact known only as "The Stag." Much to Wilhelmina's bewilderment, this proves to be merely the tip of an ever-deepening mystery in which she finds herself embroiled. Who is the elusive Stag? Who is responsible for a number of other letters coming into her possession? And why are both the handsome Duke of Linthorpe and the charming Earl of Thurlston acting so strangely? With her cousin's life in danger, can Wilhelmina find the answers?