Garrow defends a man accused of sodomy, a capital offence in Georgian England. But Garrow is embroiled in a simmering sexual scandal of his own - Sir Arthur Hill has accused him of adultery with his wife. In representing an accused homosexual, Garrow risks gossip and humiliation. And, it turns out, he must also perpetuate a lie.

Returning from war, weary and wounded, British sailors are treated with contempt and abuse at the Greenwich Hospital. One man bravely exposes the corruption, and finds himself in a Newgate cell. Southouse accuses Garrow of mixed motives as his uses the case to attack The Admiralty - and in particular its Under Secretary, Sir Arthur Hill.

Garrow finds himself in the dock, accused by Sir Arthur Hill of 'criminal conversation' of adultery with his wife Sarah. The evidence against him is a combination of half truths, invention and bare-faced lies - but with a moralistic judge and a censorious public, mere truth may not be enough. Garrow must fight for his honour, for his future, and for love.