The shy young Duke of Sale has never known his parents. Instead, his Grace Adolphus Gillespie Vernon Ware or Gilly for short has endured twenty-four years of rigorous mollycoddling from his uncle and his valet. But his natural diffidence conceals a rebellious spirit. So when Gilly hears of Belinda, the beautiful foundling who appears to be blackmailing his cousin, he absconds with glee. Only he has no sooner entered his new and dangerous world than he is plunged into a frenzy of intrigue, kidnap and adventure.

Born in 1902, Georgette Heyer was a highly private writer, never giving interviews or making public appearances. She was married in 1925 and had one son. She died in 1974. She wrote fifty-seven novels, including Frederica, Royal Escape, Devil's Cub, Regency Buck and Sprig Muslin.

Phyllida Nash makes regular appearances on BBC Radio 4 in both comedy and drama, as well as a wide variety of readings and live broadcasts. She has recorded numerous audio books and her career spans stage, television and radio. On stage Phyllida has appeared in leading roles nationally, as well as in New York, Toronto and London's West End. TV credits include lead roles in various productions including Not Quite Cricket, Potter and Cottage to Let.