In the brooding north country hills, a man and a woman fought for the passion they felt for each other that the world branded a disgrace...

Agnes Thorman - the proud but forlorn mistress of a once-grand estate, whose society forbade her the man who was her equal in all but name...

Robert Bradley - a gifted craftsman, as visionary and challenging as the dawning new age. He had yet to seize his dream, which could destroy the woman he loved...

And Milicent Thorman - the strange, wise girl-child fated to play a shocking part in the lovers' unfolding destiny...

The lives of these three are woven into a compelling story with the masterly touch of Catherine Cookson.