Sometime in the aftermath of World War 2, Helena is going to Istanbul to stay with her uncle and to join her British diplomat fiancée Thomas. A series of seven letters exposes a story of family intrigue, complex relationships, underhand activities and the mystery of Rupert Augustinian and his blind spouse Maria. Helena's uncle, Roger Atherton's past is slowly revealed as each letter explores different perspectives of a deepening mystery. Why does Rupert Augustinian dine nightly in the same Istanbul restaurant? What could a visit to Ayub reveal to Helena? A mugging, a missing diplomatic bag, a book of the poems of Pierre Loti all add to the intrigue. A final denouement at the home of Atherton finally draws all the threads together. What does it mean for Helena and her future with Thomas ?