"Orphaned at a young age, the beautiful Lady Emily has been raised by her doting uncle, the Marquis of Charlesworth. In a resolute and grand gesture, the Marquis vows to fulfil his duties by finding her the perfect suitor. He elects for Colonel the Honourable Alexander Augustus Percy. Her choice: a struggling artist named Leslie." "As the two suitors do battle for their chosen bride, the political climate heightens around them, and they find themselves called upon to defend Verdopolis - Bronte's imaginary state - from the advancing threat of the feared Ashantee tribe. But even when brothers-in-arms, their enmity remains, and is soon brought to crisis point with the mysterious disappearance of Lady Emily."--Jacket.