Both have recently lost someone close to them as the first chapter opens. They meet and at once believe they have found a soul mate in each other. As their relationship progresses we come to understand more of each character's past. Most importantly we learn about Wemyss' late wife, Vera. What at first appears to be a different and quirky romance turns out to be an indictment of egoism and dominance in relationships.

    This grim account begins with its hero losing his head during the French Revolution, and really picks up from there, with the good Baron through swashbuckling and amorous activities finally becoming the master of death itself.