Jessamyn Croft has almost recovered from the accident that nearly crippled her for life. Recovering from the loss of her fiance, Nicolas Griffin - who was driving the car - is far more challenging. If Nic had died, maybe Jess could have summoned all her strength, grieved for him, and forgotten. But he wasn't even hurt. He sat by her bedside in agony until he was sure she would live; then, inexplicably, he cut off all contact with her. He won't answer her calls or letters - and she has no idea what has come between them. What's worse, now he's trying to block her chance at a comeback, doing everything he can to keep her out of his new play, The Jewel. That satisfaction, at least, Jess is determined not to give him. And when Jess is determined, obstacles are well advised to get out of her way. Once she is chosen as the star of The Jewel, her problems should be over, except for missing Nic. But the rehearsals are plagued with small but nasty pranks - all of which seem to be directed at Jess. And the enigmatic foreigner, Count Ivo von Cragga, seems perfectly polite and genteel. But just what is he doing at rehearsals? And is it a coincidence that the pranks began just about when he showed up?