The exiles
A Dangerous Deception 1813: Napoleon's empire is starting to crumble. And the drawing rooms of Vienna hold the key to the future of Europe... Disguised as a boy for her hazardous journey across the continent, then set upon by thieves in a dark Viennese alley, Elizabeth DeQuincy is grateful that the handsome Englishman who rescues her asks her no questions afterwards. The great city is swarming with foreign agents of every nationality, and no one is safe. With nowhere to turn, her money gone, she dares not refuse his kind offer of apprenticeship -- or reveal her true identity to the man she must call master. Sommers is clearly a gentleman, and clearly more than a simple fencing master. The question is, which side is employing him? Elizabeth is compelled to find out, although she is not certain she wants to know the truth. A double agent for the Crown, Sommers has managed to outwit the best French intelligence operatives in Europe -- so far. And when he discovers Elizabeth's deception, he is resolved to send her home to England. Spying is hardly suitable work for a lovely young gentlewoman, even if she is good at it. Damnably good at it. And all too willing to risk her life to save his...