Martha Farfield was companion and housekeeper to Lady Dunham. Her life would be complete if it was not for the interference of Lord Dunham's man of business, Charles Anderton. At every opportunity he undermines her and causes annoyance. Martha cannot control her anger when in his company. Charles Anderton is smitten by Martha Fairfield, well he was when they first met. He blundered his first encounters with her and now she openly dislikes him. Every time he tries to help, he just creates further problems for them both. He needs to ease the tension, but has no idea how. Laura Atkinson is on the run. She was a prostitute for Baron Kersal and knew about his illegal activity. When the Baron's trial collapses and the others involved in the scheme start to go missing, Laura realises her life is in danger. She seeks out the only man that she has ever trusted, the only man she thinks can keep her safe. Alfred Peters is a Bow Street Officer. He is alone in the world and although not happy with his lot, knows that in his employment, the casualty rate is quite high. He is resigned to keeping himself to himself. There was once one woman........but wishing just means less concentration, which is foolish in the extreme. The four are destined to be thrown together in a way that will turn all of their lives upside down. None will come away unscathed from the encounter.