The cottage is owned by a Mr. Bruto. Chris' parents rent it on condition that they keep out of his derelict estate next door. The parents go on a trip, Bella house-sits, and all's well until Chris climbs over the estate wall, finds a rose, and plucks it . . . This modern account of the old story, while losing none of its romance and mystery, demonstrates the power of pure, true love to overcome fear and heal deep wounds. The atmosphere of this retelling is augmented by powerful and striking pen and ink drawings by Claire Roberts based on, and augmented with, sketches by the author.