When low-life moneylender William Weems is found murdered, there are few to mourn his passing. But when Inspector Pitt finds a list containing the names of some of London's most distinguished gentlemen in the murdered man's office, he recognizes the smell of blackmail. Fortunately, Pitt's clever, well-born wife, Charlotte has entree into London's best society. And at glittering balls and over gossipy teas, she observes a world of passion, power, and greed, that is closed to police inspection...