| | 1893 New Orleans Wealthy, young widow Savannah Knight keeps a secret that would cast her as a pariah among the New Orleans social set. She is the mysterious masked Madame of the La Hibicus Rouge (The Red Hibiscus) Bordello. If that wasn't bad enough, she helps abused and beaten women hide at La Hibicus Rouge until she can arrange their escape out of New Orleans to a safer life. She is so passionate about her cause she can't imagine living her life any other way until she meets Napoleon Falconer. He is the first man to stir her interest since her husband died to do so. Napoleon is charming, debonair and handsome, and most important, lives in Charleston. He won't be able to question her as to where she spends her evenings. He seems perfect till she learns he hunts down and brings back the very women she tries so desperately to help. And then her closest friend, Lynette and her little boy, show up at the bordello, shocking Savannah for she had no idea Lynette's life had become so dangerous. Without hesitation or thought for her own safety or reputation Savannah prepares to do everything she can for her friend. Lynette's husband hires Napoleon to find her and bring her back home. Now Savannah keeps company with Napoleon so she can thwart him in his search and get Lynette safety out of town. With the help of one of Savannah's friends posing as Lynette's mother, she is able to get them out of New Orleans. Through one of his many contacts, Napoleon discovers Lynette is headed north and prepares to go after her. Savannah tags along. But when Napoleon is close to capturing Lynette, Savannah finally does the one thing she knew she might be forced to do to save her friend. She seduces Napoleon. It is in the early morning's soft light that Napoleon sees the close resemblance between Savannah and the masked Madame of La Hibicus Rouge. He adds up all the questions and delays Savannah has put him through. Angered, he leaves her some money and departs. A whore should get paid. Only love can hurt and betray one's heart like this. Feeling uneasy, Savannah returns home unable to quite put her finger on just what is wrong between her and Napoleon. It is only when she receives a gift from him delivered to her at the bordello does she realize the magnitude of his knowledge. He knows everything about her and the bordello. She decides that until further notice the bordello cannot offer asylum to any woman asking them for help. But this is not a cause Savannah will give up so easily though. She will find a way, but in the meantime she will have to learn to live without Napoleon's love. Her heart is as bruised and battered as the women she helps. Napoleon closes in on his prey, for that is how he thinks of them, these women he chases down. However, just as he has Lynette in his grasp, he is forced to make a decision. The woman helping Lynette knows where Napoleon's mother lives. Napoleon has been trying to find her for years. Now he must
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