On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John emerges from London's Beefsteak Club, his mind in turmoil. A nobleman and a high ranking officer in His Majesty's army. Grey has just witnessed something shockng. But his efforts to avoid a scandal that might destroy his family are interupted by something still more urgent. The crown appoints him to investigate the brutal murder of a comrade in arms who may have been a traitor.