1815. In London, everyone awaits with baited breath news from the continent, where Napoleon has returned and is about to engage Britain's army. Among the anxious populace are Nathan Rothschild, a banker of growing reputation among the mighty, and his brother Jacob, who is in love with Charlotte - a French aristocrat in exile forced to make a living as a courtesan. As the battle soon to be joined at Waterloo will determine the fate of the kingdom, fortunes will be made - or unmade ...