Grieving after the death of his younger brother, Hugh Castle, the Earl of Monnow, finds evidence to suggest it was not an accident, but a failed attempt to kill him. He vows revenge, planning to take advantage of the rumour that he is also dead to uncover the murderer.

But Hugh doesn’t count on meeting another desperate adventurer, Helen Archer. She has lost the fabled Peckham Necklace at Hugh’s home, Ormsby, and risks censure if she doesn’t find it. So together, Helen and Hugh hatch the perfect plan. They will masquerade as servants to gain access to Hugh’s grand house and accomplish their missions in secret.

Unfortunately, it is more limiting to work as servants than they thought, and their plans soon go awry. Increasingly attracted to Helen, Hugh finds it difficult to protect her from the unknown danger stalking the grand halls of Ormsby, and ultimately, he must decide if his heart’s desire is truly revenge, or love.