With only a name and address as clues, Victoria Brown went to England seeking the details of her birth. Her mother had somehow been involved with the ancient and distinguished Barrancourt family of Alconleigh Manor - but how - as the wife of the estate's gardener - or as mistress to one of its lords?

The Barrancourts' legacy of greed and violence became apparent to Victoria as she witnessed their ruthless actions. But there was one man among them who was different - perhaps the only Barrancourt who was capable of love.

As Victoria's prying delved deeper into the secrets of Alconleigh, it became clear that someone wanted to end her investigation - at any cost. Very soon she would have to decide which Barrancourt to entrust with her life... and the wrong choice could prove to be fatal.