Claire — Elizabeth Lyle

Aristocrats forced by the French Revolution to flee to England, Mademoiselle Claire de la Robiniere and her widowed cousin arrive in Brighton almost destitute. The beautiful Claire soon becomes the toast of the seaside resort, the center of gaiety and elegance where the Prince Regent summers. Claire captivates all who see her -- no more so than the notorious rake Lord Milcroft and his sworn enemy the Honourable Vincent Carlow, darling of the matchmaking mamas.

But who in this carefree summer season, and among this happy society that loves outings and dress balls, could ever imagine the desperate straits in which Claire and her cousin find themselves? The Revolution has taken everything from them save Claire's brother, with whom they now share the dangerous mission of smuggling their valuables out of France. Little does the Ton realize that Claire is a society beauty by day and smuggler by night. Or do they?

Increasingly -- though reluctantly -- drawn to Claire, Carlow stumbles across her secret. So too, by devious and selfish means, does Milcroft, who vows to reap both personal and financial gain from his knowledge. With the Preventive Officers and Milcroft closing in on her, Claire at last turns to Carlow for the help she so urgently needs. But is it too late for Carlow to save her?