Major Tom Bedloe of the Union Armoy of Occupation plunged into the abandoned pleasures of conquered New Orleans with zest. Arrogant, handsome, completely selfish, Bedloe knew how to enjoy the fruits of victory. Mastery over women came easily to Bedloe - and New Orleans was full of lovely owmen. But in Elaine de Leche, the balck-haired young Creole Baroness, he met his match. Here was a woman as cruel and corrupt as he - a woman who used men for her own purposes. And the Baroness had a very special plan for Major Tom Bedloe.