Historical novel set in the mid-1800's of a privileged English youth. First in Crimea with the French Foreign Legion, by chance Clay arrives in America where he becomes a gambler, marshal, and a Union officer. Wounded, captured, and returned to the French, he fights in Mexico. Returning to the Union army, he attempts to subdue frontier Indians. Finally, Clay returns to England to his decades old love, Lady Anne. He seeks to restore her father's relationship with Queen Victoria, save his Dukedom, and win Lady Anne's hand.