Running Blanchard's Bank after her father's death was fulfilling for Anastasia but, even so, she felt there was something missing from her life. Problems with the branch in York, decided Stacy.

She would go herself. But the November weather turned severe and, with her retinue, she sought refuge at Pontisford Hall. It was a nightmare! The Hall was in a parlous state, and the man she thought to be the butler turned out to be Matthew, Lord Radley. He was quite as forceful and autocratic as herself, and the sparks that flew during her enforced stay had repercussions that quite appalled her....