Vernita had never been so frightened or confused in her life.

Trapped in Paris as Napoleon was trying to imprison all English tourists, she was masquerading as a French seamstress.

But she could never disguise her fresh young beauty and exquisite manners. The handsome, worldly Count Axel had already noticed her and had his own plans for her future.

"I believe," the Count told her, "I could find you a position. With the Emperor's sister, Her Imperial Highness Princess Paulina Borghese. You could live in her house as her official seamstress"

"I will try to help you," the Count continued, "but you know ultimately you will have to look after yourself."

"Be careful," warned the Count. "Be careful of what you do and what you say... And try not to look so lovely."

Vernita stared at him. It was such an extraordinary thing for Count Axel de Storvik to say, to a little seamstress!