For Allen Marriott, 1899 was proving a hectic time. He'd nursed a grievance against his rich cousin, but now he worked as Gerard Shcuyler's private secretary. Refusing to reveal their family connection, Allen was nearly undone when Torry Schuyler sponsored the beautiful young girl he had rescued from a train wreck. However, he persuaded Trish Courtney not to tell anyone about his heroic deed. He had important reasons to hide this fact, as well as other numerous secrets. Caught up in the attraction between them, Trish agreed to be silent, heightening the thrill of their illicit meetings... Will he reveal his secrets when he finds out that Trish loved him?

London in the 1920s. Clare Windham had jilted her fiancé without explanation and been ostracised for it. What malign stroke of fate had brought the past back to haunt her in the shape of Ralph Schuyler? It seemed her life was in danger, and Ralph was trying to save her - but who could tell with this secretive man.

Inghilterra, 1926/1929 - Deciso a sottrarsi alle pressanti aspettative della sua potente famiglia, Nicholas Schuyler va a rifugiarsi in una cittadina del North Devon, dove viene apprezzato per le sue doti artistiche e per la sua intelligenza. Lì per tutti è soltanto Nick, a cui tocca, dopo anni spensierati e libertini, la fortuna di incontrare anche l'amore, la dolce Verena. Per i due innamorati però esiste anche il rovescio della medaglia, che porta l'effigie del perfido cugino di lei.