Princess Hildegarde is of German birth, but with an English and French education. She become an independent girl, in her way -- a fact that causes much grief to her uncle. That's why it's a surprise to her when her uncle announces her engagement -- to the Prince of Doppelkinn, sixty-year-old widower! And is it any wonder when, a few days before the wedding day, Princess Hildegarde disappears leaving a note announcing that she is eloping?

With whom, no one knows.

But her actions leave a wake of broken political ties and crumbling relationships. Is there anything that can stop this before something terrible happens?