This historic story of romance and tragedy revolves around one woman, the struggles in her life, and how she overcame these hardships. The arc of the story and characters are based on actual events and people. Because this unresolved and puzzling love affair generates two centuries of doubt and scorn, Interwoven into the story are present-day characters who research lost clues to resolve the mystery. It is important to tell the story of forgotten people, especially ones as impactful as Concha and Nikolai. This story begins in early Spanish California where a young woman who was born and raised in San Francisco feels trapped and isolated from the world. She is the daughter of the Presidio Commandant and is regarded as the most beautiful doncella in all of Alta California. In 1806 a ship sails into the great bay with a Russian nobleman on a very desperate mission. Concepcion (Concha) Arguello and Nikolai Rezanov allegedly fall in love and plan to marry. Aside from their age difference, there are significant and complex barriers of politics, religion, world turmoil, and family they must contend with. There was a great deal of skepticism about this affair throughout much of 19th century California; after all, Concha wanted to escape California, yet Nikolai wanted to plant the Tsar's flag here. Concha wished to see the world's great cities and institutions while Nikolai saw California as a Garden of Eden that could supplement Russia's colony in Alaska. The arc of this story also follows a present-day professor who is seeking answers to this unresolved scandal. In old California Mission days, there was little news of the outside world, and boredom was an aching reminder of isolation. The one joyous pastime was their fandangos with lively dancing to break the monotony. Two hundred years later the professor finds archival materials containing musical notations written by a mysterious character, as well as old documents and notes that shed new light on this debated romance of long ago and answers the question; did they truly love one another? This is not a romantic novel per se, but a story of a devoted but unfulfilled love and a life set in difficult times. The hardships and uncertainty faced by Concepcion and Nikolai will resonate with the reader.