A DUKE IN DISGUISE, A CREOLE MISS DETERMINED TO GO HER OWN WAY, A CURSE, AND TWO NATIONS AT WAR. IS LOVE EVEN POSSIBLE? A New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to keep freedom of choice for herself and others. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as a British businessman. Caleb Elmond would find approval with her mother but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and may destroy them both. With the Battle of New Orleans looming, and these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives?