On their honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands, she can scarcely believe that the four previous lonely years can have been replaced by so much joy. But her unclouded happiness does not last long.

The return to Edinburgh brings her into conflict with her old school friend and Alec’s sister, Zilla: a beautiful woman who had expected Alec to remain a lifelong companion, devoted only to her. Then the jealousies and greed of her first husband’s family threaten to bring unhappiness to her stepson Simon, who has new responsibilities as the heir to the great estate of Limbourne in the South of England. The home for centuries of his father's family, Limbourne is a stately mansion with fine old trees, gardens - and a tense atmosphere.