Léon Belmont is the 40-something ambassador of the French Republic to the English court. It's a dangerous game, considering the English alliance with Austria, who are now at war with France. And with the English court acting as a safe-haven for escaped French Aristos. As well as keeping England from joining their allies in war, it is Léon's task to somehow get those escaped aristocrats back to France to face justice.
And the Council have allowed him to do this by any means necessary. Which involves harnessing the pretty face and innocence of Nell, a local boy capable of worming his way into anyone's affection. Including Léon's, it seems.